How inclusive is the workplace culture here?

Ever worked somewhere that made you feel like an outsider before you even opened your mouth?

Workplace inclusivity looks very different depending on where you land in Asia Pacific. Here's the honest picture.

Australia has it written into law — and mostly means it.Anti-discrimination legislation is strong, and DEI is taken seriously in most corporate environments. Racial and gender diversity in the workplace is openly discussed. That said, subtle cultural bias still exists, and workers from non-English-speaking backgrounds occasionally report having to work harder to be heard.

New Zealand leads with genuine warmth.Māori culture is woven into everyday professional life, from pōwhiri at company events to te reo in the office. Gender inclusivity and LGBTQ+ acceptance are among the highest in the region. Most newcomers describe feeling welcomed quickly.

Singapore is diverse but structured.The workforce is multinational by design, and working alongside people of different nationalities is completely normal. However, inclusivity has limits — a strong hierarchy culture means seniority often takes precedence over merit, and LGBTQ+ individuals navigate a more conservative legal and social environment.

Taiwan is quietly progressive.It was the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, and the workplace reflects a relatively open social attitude. Gender equality has improved significantly, though a degree of deference to seniority and in-group dynamics in local companies can make outsiders feel like they're on the periphery for longer than expected.