Workplace gender equality is achieved when people are able to access and enjoy the same rewards, resources, and opportunities regardless of gender.
Progress towards workplace gender equality is a national priority. For Australian organisations, closing the gender gap and maximising the potential for both male and female employees is crucial for increasing productivity and future growth.
However, the gender pay gap is still alive and well in Australia, with women, on average, earning 14% less than men, when comparing full time equivalent salaries. The gender pay gap is influenced by several factors, including:
- Discrimination and bias in hiring and pay decisions
- Women and men working in different industries and different jobs, with female dominated industries and jobs attracting lower wages
- Women’s disproportionate share of unpaid caring and domestic work
- Lack of workplace flexibility to accommodate caring and other responsibilities, especially in senior roles
- Women’s greater time out of the workforce impacting career progression and opportunities
Workplaces, organisations, and employers are in a position of great influence and power to begin turning the tide toward a state of greater equality. Taking equal pay seriously and creating workplace cultures that embrace flexibility and better work-life balance for all are a perfect place to start.