HR Magazine - Times names top 50 employers for gender equality

The Times has announced the 50 best employers for gender equality, with Deloitte, Nestle and Ofcom all ranked. The list was drawn up in partnership with charity Business in the Community.

Previously called The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, the list asked organisations to share details of their activity, and any demonstrable impact, around key areas known to help or hinder progress towards gender equality at work.

In addition to reviewing anonymised submissions, assessors spoke with female employees to gauge the real-life experience of working at applicant organisations.

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Charlotte Woodworth, gender equality director at Business in the Community, said the companies on the list have made genuine commitments to achieving gender equality.

She said: “We’ve seen the tide change in recent years in how many employers are embracing innovative ways of working, such as flexible working, and more equitable policies, including equal parental leave."

This year’s list also looked at what employers are doing to support employees as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Applicants were asked to submit a case study alongside their application, focused on the steps they were taking to support people during times of financial challenge.

Woodworth said the cost of living crisis has been an opportunity for employers to step up and support their employees.

She added: “With the cost of living crisis laying bare the imbalance of the impact of economic turmoil on different groups, there’s never been a more important time for employers to consider the role that their organisation plays in our collective goal of creating a fairer world for everyone.”

Professional services firm Deloitte has recently launched new policies to support gender equality and inclusion, including enhancements to parental leave policies, bereavement and baby loss leave, and a new menopause policy.

It also introduced cover for assisted fertility treatment and gender dysphoria as part of the firm’s private medical insurance.

This year, Deloitte UK promoted 40 women to partner. This increased the total number of Deloitte’s women partners to 386 (29% of all partners).

Jackie Henry, managing partner of people and purpose at Deloitte, said The Times’ list represents progress the firm has made.

She said: “I am particularly proud of the range of enhancements to our existing family policies, making sure that we are taking care of our people at all the important life stages.

“We are already seeing the impact of our Future Leaders programme, which supports women and ethnic minority colleagues in their progression to ensure there are more people ready for senior roles.

“It’s important that we continue to build a diverse firm, with an inclusive culture, and authentic, visible leaders at every level.”

The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023 are: