Alcoa named Gender Equality Employer of Choice again

FOR the 16th consecutive year, Alcoa has been named an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Federal Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

The citation is a voluntary leading practice recognition program and a prestigious acknowledgement of organisations that encourage, recognise and promote active commitment in achieving gender equality in their workplace.

Criteria covers leadership, learning and development, gender remuneration gaps, flexible working and other initiatives to support family responsibilities, employee consultation, preventing sex-based harassment and discrimination and targets for improving gender equality outcomes.

Chairman and managing director Michael Parker said there was still much work to be done to close the gender gap.

“At Alcoa we are investing in attracting, retaining and advancing women to address the gender balance and we are working hard to change the culture of a traditionally male dominate industry,’’ he said.

“There is no one single strategy that will make the change.

“It is complex and requires many approaches.

“As a leader, I intend to stay the course and continue creating an inclusive environment and culture in our workplace where we can attract and retain the best people and fully engage them in the business.

“Achieving a gender balance is the right thing to do and a key strategy for sustainable long term advantage.”

Alcoa has 14 per cent female workplace participation, successful flexible work practices that see 25 per cent of the overall female workforce work part time, 21 per cent of promotions awarded in the past year have been to women and the company continues to retain 100 per cent of women following parental leave.

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