Arup in Australia named WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality

Arup is committed to taking a proactive and preventative approach to sexual discrimination and improving gender equality. The firm’s continued status as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality reflects their dedication to implementing policies and procedures that foster a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

Australasia Co Chair, Kerryn Coker said: “Being recognised by WGEA again as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality is the result of an ongoing and sustained effort to drive positive change. Building a diverse and inclusive culture is a priority for Arup and we are committed to finding new ways to address the cultural and structural barriers women face so we can continue to improve gender balance in our workplace.

“Key to this recognition was our early adoption of the recommendations in the Respect at Work Bill, which emphasises the importance of having a preventative approach to sex-based harassment and discrimination in tandem with policies that support people in addressing complaints. Having a robust policy of education, and initiatives in place to prevent discrimination, are already having a positive and noticeable impact on our culture.

“Another factor has been our efforts to broaden our diversity and inclusion approach beyond gender equality towards creating an environment where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging and confidence, they can bring their whole selves to work.  For example, hand in hand with our work to prevent sex-based discrimination, we have partnered with Diversity Council Australia to ensure our workplace policies are underpinned by an anti-racism approach.

“Arup’s approach to gender equity is intersectional. That is, we recognise the career barriers faced by women are different depending on of all their attributes, such as race or appearance, disability, and age, to name a few.  This year in particular Arup has adopted an intersectional approach to gender and race as a key element of our gender equality and International Women’s Day conversations.”

As a member of Consult Australia’s Champions of Change Group, Kerryn is part of a cohort of CEOs and Regional Managing Directors committed to bringing about change and advancing equality in the traditionally male dominated profession of engineering consulting.

Research has found that EOCGE citation holders are improving on key gender equality metrics at a faster rate than other employers in WGEA’s dataset. EOCGE organisations have demonstrated a commitment to advancing change – not only among their own workforce, but also in the public arena as leaders role-modelling the benefits of gender equality for their industry peers.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency Director, Mary Wooldridge said: “WGEA’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation verifies to employees – and potential employees – that an organisation is taking meaningful action to improve the working lives of women and men throughout the business.

“Leading employers, like Arup, have stepped up to the plate by taking action to accelerate change for gender equality in the workplace.

“After passing a rigorous, evidence-informed evaluation, Arup has been officially recognised among the distinguished cohort of Australian employers committed to creating the workplace and environment that enables all people to thrive.

“Critically, EOCGE employers are delivering an approach that results in better support structures in place for working families; stronger actions to address pay inequalities; and strategic recruitment, promotion and retention practices that encourage the full participation of women at work.”

In the 2022-24 period, 25 new employers will join 104 existing EOC holders through being awarded this valuable public recognition of the organisation’s work for gender equality. Find out more at the website for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.