Leaders in Workplace Gender Equality Announced

Ninety organisations from around Australia have been recognised as leading the way in employer commitment to gender equality.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency, a Federal Government body, announced its list of 2015 WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation holders.

Trends among this year’s recipients include the measurement and disclosure of like for like and company-wide gender pay gaps, enhanced caring provisions for men including paid parental leave, and strategic focus on flexibility.

WGEA Director, Libby Lyons, said the initiatives demonstrated by this year’s EOCGE recipients showed that more employers were taking a sophisticated and whole-of-organisation approach to supporting women and men’s equal participation at all levels of the workplace.

“Employers increasingly understand and value the benefits of having a diverse workforce for organisational culture and business performance,” Lyons said.

“I congratulate all of the 2015 citation holders for their initiative and commitment. These employers are at the frontline of driving positive change as they set the gold standard for inclusive workplaces.”

Despite more rigorous criteria, there has been an increase in EOCGE recipients from 76 in 2014.

This year’s applicants were required to consult with employees to demonstrate that gender equality initiatives translated into lived experience.

“The spread of industries and organisational size in this year’s list of citation holders is very encouraging and highlights growing awareness of the value of taking a strategic and systematic approach to gender diversity,” Lyons said.

“It’s especially encouraging that more organisations are looking for ways to actively support women and men to balance their caring responsibilities while also pursuing their careers.”