Pernod Ricard Winemakers (PRW) is the first wine company to be recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE). Similarly, Woolworths is the first major food retailer to receive the citation.
WGEA director Libby Lyons, Director said this year there were 17 businesses joining the 119 citation holders from 2019 and 2020. The citation recognises employer commitment and best practice in promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.
“Despite the tremendous upheaval and disruption caused to Australian businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, these organisations maintained an unswerving commitment to achieving their EOCGE citation,” Lyons said.
Chair and CEO of PRW Bryan Fry said it was a long-term commitment of the company to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
“Everyone has access to the same resources, opportunities and rewards is an important part of our commitment to valuing people. We are achieving this by instilling a mindset that drives long-term change, with gender being one area of focus,” Fry said.
PRW is also the only South Australian based business out of the 163 organisations ever awarded the citation.
Fry said 53 per cent of senior managers and 43 per cent of the total workforce are women.
“It is a result of strategies we introduced to improve our gender mix, such as making flexible work mainstream, uplifting parental leave entitlements, introducing diversity and inclusion training, closing the gender pay gap and conducting regular analysis to maintain our results,” he said.
Woolworths group head of diversity and inclusion Rachel Mead said the group was delighted to receive the citation in recognition of its commitment to promoting gender equality.
“We know when we bring diverse teams together in an inclusive environment we can innovate, respond quickly to challenges and co-create better solutions to problems,” Mead said.
The EOCGE citation is awarded to organisations that meet stringent criteria for best practice in promoting gender equality. It involves a rigorous assessment process with emphasis on accountability, outcomes, evidence and internal reporting processes.
It is a voluntary leading practice recognition program that is separate to compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act.
Lyons said: “We know that gender equality is good for business and crucial to our post-COVID-19 economic recovery. I want to sincerely thank and acknowledge these employers for their extraordinary efforts in these trying times.”
Mead said: “There is always more to do and in 2021 we remain focused on achieving a truly inclusive workplace, where all our team members have equitable access to opportunities and a sense of belonging.”
Trends the WGEA saw in businesses this year included entrenching flexible work across the organisation and implementing programs to support women into leadership positions. Tailored parental leave policies that supported both women and men and supporting men’s caring responsibilities were also stand-outs. It also saw companies carry out “robust” analysis and correction of gender pay gaps.
Diageo stays on the list
First cited in 2019, Diageo Australia has retained its citation for the third year in a row. Diageo Australia managing director Angus McPherson said the company had prioritised gender equality for a long time.
“It’s key to driving performance, it attracts and retains the best talent and it’s absolutely the right thing to do.
“We’ve already implemented one of Australia’s most progressive family leave policies that entitles every Diageo Australia employee to take 26 weeks paid family leave regardless of their gender, carer status or tenure.
“What we’ve seen when we implement gender equality policies and practices is that everyone in our business benefits as a result, whether it’s secondary carers who get precious time spent with their young child, people getting the opportunity to take on secondments, or primary carers who can continue to build their career and be supported in raising their family.”
Diageo’s executive leadership reporting to the managing director is 57 per cent female and 43 per cent male while the extended leadership group is 51 per cent female and 49 per cent male.
Diageo has set ambitious goals as part of its Society 2030, with McPherson saying it is fundamental to the company’s long term 10-year sustainability action plan.
“Some of our global Society 2030 targets include accelerating inclusion and diversity in our value chain by measuring and increasing the percentage of Diageo suppliers from female and minority-owned businesses and using our media and creative spend to support progressive voices, celebrate diversity in our advertising and help shape a tolerant and equitable society.
Globally, 60 per cent of Diageo’s board is female, 38 per cent of its executive committee is female, and its target is for 50 per cent female senior leadership globally by 2030.
