Employer of Choice for Women 2006

February 21 2006 - 116 Australian employers have been awarded an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) citation. More than a quarter (33) are in the education sector, including Australia's best-known universities. Sixteen others come from the community care, hospital and health sectors.

The Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). has awarded the citation to organisations that have demonstrated policies and practices that support women across the organisation that have had a positive outcome for both women and the business.

The list includes some well-known names such as IBM Australia Limited, Hewlett-Packard Australia Pty Ltd, Ove Arup Pty Ltd, Boots Health Care Ltd, four banks (ANZ, Citibank Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation), two accountancy firms (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Ernst & Young), and a single representative from the cafe/restaurant sector - McDonald's Australia Limited.

According to EOWA, organisations on the list typically have:

• women in higher numbers at senior levels
• succession plans for women in management
• development plans for high achievers
• paid maternity leave and high maternity leave retention rates
• the ability to work part time at all levels

Having a CEO who is committed to driving change is also a key factor. For example:

• James Laussen, Principal of Melbourne's Overnewton Anglican Community College, works personally with mature aged women to assist them renew their skills
• Giam Swiegers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CEO, personally mentors five partners
• Michael Hawker, IAG CEO, chairs the organisation's women's forum where 10 high performing women meet quarterly to discuss strategic cultural issues

According to Agency Director, Anna McPhee:

"Employers on this list understand and address the barriers to women's full participation. From the school principal, to the Vice Chancellor, to the CEO of a non-profit organisation or a multinational, they understand their business can't thrive on under-utilised talent".

"Since the EOWA Employer of Choice list was introduced in 2001 we have received an increasing number of enquiries from organisations wanting to add this citation to their 'resume' to give them a much-needed edge in today's competitive labour market."

For a complete list of the EOCFW organisations please go to www.eowa.gov.au.

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