How Workplace Barriers for Fathers Reinforce Gender Inequality
A recent Fair Work Commission ruling in Australia has underscored the importance of family-friendly workplaces—and how denying fathers flexibility entrenches gender inequality. In this case, first reported by AFR’s David Marin-Guzman, a Freight and Logistics Services Australia employee sought an additional work-from-home (WFH) day every second week to care for his 18-month-old child. His wife […]
Gender Equality Isn’t Just Fair, It’s Profitable: Why Family-Friendly Workplace Policies Matter
The data is clear: Workplaces that prioritise gender equality see higher productivity, better profitability, and stronger employee engagement. Yet, despite growing awareness and legislative support, many employers still fail to address the key drivers of workplace inequality, including outdated policies on caregiving and flexibility. A recent report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency […]
Is Your Company’s Lack of Family-Friendly Policies Widening the Gender Gap?
Setting the Stage: The Urgency of Workplace Reform Our latest event brought together two leaders – Annika Freyer, CEO of the Champions of Change Coalition, and Emma Walsh, CEO of Parents At Work and Founder of Family Friendly Workplaces. The discussion explored how businesses can drive systemic change by embedding family-inclusive policies that foster gender equality, […]
Why Family-Friendly Workplaces Are the Key to Supporting the ‘Sandwich Generation’
The modern workplace is at a crossroads. As Bernard Salt highlights in The Australian, the so-called “Sandwich Generation” – those juggling careers while caring for both elderly parents and dependent children – is growing. And frighteningly, it’s growing at a rapid pace in which Australia is under-prepared for. “Australia is facing a demographic time […]
Is the Legal Sector Finally Becoming More Family-Friendly?
For decades now, women have outnumbered men in law schools around the country, but in 2024, men continue to dominate the legal sector’s leadership positions. That’s despite the sector seeing significant changes in how legal work is carried out, including remote work, evolving tech and artificial intelligence and the move to outsourcing. However, […]
WGEA’s Latest Scorecard: Are Australian Workplaces Becoming More Family Friendly?
Australia is witnessing a slow but meaningful shift toward creating more inclusive workplaces and supportive of families. The latest Gender Equality Scorecard 2023 – 24 from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) offers a glimpse into the progress being made and the challenges that remain. But are workplaces truly becoming more family-friendly, and what does […]
Inclusive Leadership: Traits and Practical Tips for Building Strong, Family Friendly Workplaces
In today’s complex and evolving work environment, inclusive leadership is not only about managing diverse teams but also creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusive leaders create workplaces where innovation thrives, productivity increases, and employees feel empowered to contribute their best. During our most recent Inclusive Leadership Series session, leaders […]
Why a Caring Workplace Culture Matters
Unpaid carers make an incredible contribution to society—many of them often go unnoticed, but their role is absolutely vital to our economy and community. The care sector impacts millions of Australians, yet it is often overlooked and devalued when compared to other economic levers. Indeed, according to the World Economic Forum, the global care economy […]
The Carer Crisis: Why Australia’s Aging Population Requires Employer Action
Australia is at a critical juncture. The nation’s demographic landscape is changing rapidly with one in six Australians aged 65 or older. The growing aging population places immense pressure on our healthcare system, economy, and society. At the heart of this issue are the millions of unpaid carers—family members, friends, and community members—who provide essential […]
Breaking Ground: The Push for a Family-Friendly Culture in Australia’s Construction Industry
The Australian construction industry, traditionally a male-dominated field, is at a pivotal moment. As societal norms evolve and the need for gender equality and better work-life balance becomes increasingly apparent, the industry is beginning to recognise the importance of becoming more family-friendly. However, despite progress, significant challenges remain, impacting both male and female workers alike. […]
