When Sandvik’s Perth warehouse team began planning a move to a new site, they saw a chance to reimagine how their workplace could be more inclusive and supportive — especially for women, who had long been underrepresented in warehouse roles.
The relocation in 2022 became more than just a physical shift. It opened space for new thinking.
“We knew this was our opportunity to create a workplace where more people could see themselves in these roles,” shared Niels Reuvers, Distribution Services Manager. “We asked ourselves how we could make the work more accessible and welcoming for everyone.”
Over three years, the team introduced meaningful changes. Manual handling was reduced through automation, and tasks that previously required specialised equipment licences — such as forklifts — were reengineered or removed. This broadened the pool of potential candidates and removed a significant barrier that had previously limited diversity.
Just as importantly, they looked at how the workday could better support people’s lives. Traditional eight-hour shifts were replaced with five staggered start times ranging from 6am to 2pm, with a six-hour minimum. This flexibility allowed parents and carers — particularly women — to work hours that aligned with school schedules and other responsibilities, without compromising operational efficiency.
“It opened the door for people who had previously ruled themselves out because of the hours,” said Niels. “We made space for life outside of work, and that made all the difference.”
Explore how Sandvik’s benefits and policies are designed to support real inclusion.
Before these changes, women made up just 15% of the warehouse team. Today, they represent 55%. This shift has brought benefits across the board — from increased employee referrals to stronger team morale.
“We used to struggle to fill roles,” Niels explained. “It was hard to compete with the roles offered in the mining industry, so we often relied on recruitment agencies. Now, word of mouth drives most of our hiring because people genuinely want to work here.”
The working environment has also become more collaborative and supportive, with teams working more efficiently and experiencing fewer injuries thanks to reduced manual handling.
What sets Sandvik’s approach apart is how seamlessly inclusion was embedded into everyday operations. There was no formal program, no headline announcement — just thoughtful decisions made with people in mind.
And the results speak for themselves.
Looking for a workplace that’s genuinely committed to evolving and making real changes to support its people? Sandvik might be exactly where you belong.
