The Workplace Equality and Respect Model

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    Our Watch's Workplace Equality and Respect Model is an evidence-based approach which can guide you to embed gender equality in your workplace and prevent sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence including domestic and family violence.

    The process

    The Workplace Equality and Respect Model walks you through the key steps you can take to assess your business, identify priority areas and implement actions to embed gender equality based on your organisation's size.

    No two workplaces are alike, so it also allows you to select different initiatives or focus on different areas based on your unique needs.

    Pick the toolkit for your workplace

    WER Model: Toolkit for sole traders

    As a sole trader, micro-business owner, or person in charge of a workplace less than 20 people, you play a powerful role in shaping the workplace culture. 

    WER Model: Toolkit for small organisations

    Running a small organisation comes with plenty of rewards and challenges. The good news is that creating a safe, equal and respectful workplace is possible.

    WER Model: Toolkit for medium to large businesses

    A guide for senior leaders and HR professionals in medium to large workplaces ready to take practical steps to embed gender equality, safety and respect at every level.

    Download the toolkit most relevant to your organisation size, and you will find guidance on: 

    • Setting up for success 
    • Am I ready? Starter scan for Workplace Equality and Respect 
    • Look at the data 
    • Take action 

    With these elements in place, you will be ready to implement change.

    Watch: This is prevention

    Gender equality is good for business

    The benefits for business leaders

    • be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining staff
    • strengthen culture and improve productivity and business performance
    • build your own, and your business’ reputation as a leader for positive change
    • mitigate risk of harm to employees and litigation against your business
    • meet staff and consumer expectations that businesses act on gender equality.

    Workplace gender equality is associated with a range of positive outcomes for individual businesses and for the national economy.

    Increased organisational performance

    The annual Gender Equality at Work report, which considered the performance of ASX200 companies, states that companies with greater diversity among their management and directorships are less volatile and sustain better than average performance on a range of metrics. It found:

    • Companies with female chairs had the best performing yearly share price changes.
    • Female CEOs had revenue increases above the market average.
    • Companies or organisations with female CFOs were in line with or above the market average on all metrics assessed.

    When workplaces are equally appealing to women and men, organisations have access to a larger talent pool. Employees value positive workplace cultures and environments that offer gender equality policies and practices, flexible working arrangements and support for employees with family and caring responsibilities.

    — Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 2016.

    Enhanced organisational reputation

    Working to change the social and structural conditions that drive violence is good for business as it builds trust and loyalty and enhances the workplaces reputation by showing leadership on issues the community cares about.

    Three women in head covering at a board room in an online meeting with coworkers on the screen.

    These free tools and resources will support your workplace to address gender inequality and prevent violence against women.