Workplaces must redesign jobs to enable shared caregiving

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 18:21 · Archive

A coalition of over 250 chief executives is calling for workplace redesigns to accommodate shared caregiving responsibilities for gender equality.

A coalition of more than 250 chief executives and leaders is calling for workplaces to be redesigned to accommodate caring responsibilities for all employees. The Champions of Change Coalition is launching a resource on Thursday to guide employers on what should change. Elizabeth Broderick, the coalition's founder, argues that 'when men can share care, women have greater scope to work, earn and lead'. She noted that employers gain access to more talent within their organisations, whilst men benefit from 'much more fulfilling and healthy lives and a deeper connection to their children'.

Care-related barriers are currently affecting women's participation, progression and economic outcomes. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, women do about nine hours more unpaid care work each week than men. Women remain under-represented in leadership roles, are retiring with less superannuation than men, and the gender pay gap persists despite progress in flexible work and parental leave options.

Business leaders gathered in Sydney on Wednesday to launch the resource. Governor-General Sam Mostyn, speaking at the event, said that 'as long as we think care is a soft word, a feminine word, it's no surprise the majority of unpaid care is picked up by women'. Broderick reflected on her own experience when her mother was dying 25 years ago, recalling that her law firm allowed her to take as much time as she needed to provide care.

How it is being reported

• Workplace redesign needed for caregiver gender equalityJobs need to be redesigned to accommodate shared caregiving to bring Australia closer to achieving gender equality, a coalition of leaders says.Perth Now · 4 Nov, 18:04
• Workplace redesign needed for caregiver gender equalityJobs need to be redesigned to accommodate shared caregiving to bring Australia closer to achieving gender equality, a coalition of leaders says.The West Australian · 4 Nov, 18:04

In this story: Champions of Change Coalition · Elizabeth Broderick · Sam Mostyn · Sydney · Australia

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