While progress has been made, gender inequalities are still very prevalent in UK workplaces today, especially in times of economic disruption, such as the aftermath of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is a well-established listing of employers taking action and making gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels. DWF is included in the Top 50 Employers list for the fourth consecutive year.
Business in the Community (BITC) has been running The Times Top 50 for 13 years. The name of the list, previously The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, has been updated this year to better reflect that addressing gender equality in the workplace requires achieving equality for all, and requires engagement from everyone. BITC gender equality work focuses on equality for all genders and those who do not identify as a gender.
Over the last year, DWF has implemented key initiatives including the rollout of its menopause support policy to complement support groups that were already in place, and upgraded family friendly policies that include enhanced parental leave, among other benefits.
This year’s applicants were assessed on the work they do to remove gender inequalities in the workplace, from flexible working to family friendly policies to pay, reward, and progression at work. All applicants submitted a case study alongside their application, evaluating their approach and impact in the field of gender equality.
Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director at Business in the Community said: “Whilst companies such as DWF are doing a brilliant job at reducing gender inequalities in the workplace, it is evident that there is far more work to be done. There are still too many employees who face barriers in the workplace, from pay gaps to caring responsibilities. The cost-of-living crisis, following the pandemic has made these inequalities even more noticeable.
“It is encouraging to see that this year, we have seen the highest number of applications to the Times Top 50 compared to any year so far. DWF’s being recognised as a Times Top 50 employer for gender equality shows that it is committed to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace so that once and for all, inequalities in the workplace can be a thing of the past.”
Mary Macleod, Chief Executive at Business in the Community said: “We know that when women succeed, the UK succeeds, enabling our communities and planet to thrive. DWF is one of the companies leading the way in building a culture where women can reach their full potential by showing real commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.”
