In response to legislative changes regarding pay equity and respect at work, Culture Plus Consulting has been partnering with Australian employers to better understand worker perceptions and experience of gender diversity and inclusion. Below we share a sample discussion points that employers can use to engage with their employees of all genders.
General Perceptions and Experience of Gender Equality
- How would you describe your overall experience of gender equality working at your employer?
- Do you feel that the company’s leadership and culture support gender diversity and inclusion? Why or why not?
Hiring and Recruitment
- Reflecting on your hiring process, did you feel it was fair and unbiased? What specific aspects stood out to you?
- Do you believe that the job descriptions, interviews, and selection process and criteria are inclusive and fair to all genders?
- Was there anything regarding our employer brand that concerned you as a candidate?
Appraisal and Performance Evaluation
- How fair do you feel the performance appraisal process is in terms of gender inclusivity?
- Have you ever felt that your gender influenced your performance evaluations or appraisals? Can you share an example?
Development and Advancement
- Do you feel that there are equal opportunities for professional development and advancement for all employees, regardless of gender?
- Have you encountered any barriers to career progression that you believe are related to gender?
- Are there specific development programs or training opportunities that you feel are inclusive or exclusive of different genders?
Access to Flexible Working
- Do you feel that flexible working arrangements are equally accessible to all employees, regardless of gender?
- How supportive is your employers in accommodating work-life balance needs particularly for parents and carers, irrespective of their gender?
Supports for Gender Inclusion
- Are you aware of any specific initiatives, programs, or policies that support gender inclusion in the workplace?
- How effective do you feel these initiatives are, and have you participated in any?
Workplace Leadership and Culture
- How inclusive do you find the leadership team in terms of gender representation and decision-making?
- Do you feel that your voice is heard and valued in meetings and workplace discussions, regardless of your gender?
- How would you describe the general attitudes towards women in your organisation, both from your peers and leadership? Are there specific behaviours or interactions that illustrate these attitudes?
- Have you observed or experienced any differences in how women are treated compared to men in similar roles or situations? Can you provide examples that reflect either positive or negative attitudes towards women?
- How well do you feel women are respected at your employer?
Grievance Process
- Are you familiar with the grievance process for addressing issues related to gender discrimination or harassment?
- Do you feel confident that reporting a grievance would lead to a fair and unbiased resolution?
Recommendations
- What changes or improvements would you suggest to enhance gender diversity, equity and inclusion at your employer?
Open-Ended
- Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences with gender inclusion and fairness in the workplace?
To learn more about how we can support your employee consultation efforts, email info@cultureplusconsulting.com