As the WGEA prepares to unveil its inaugural gender pay gap figures, Pure Public Relations MD, Phoebe Netto, emphasises the critical importance of employers’ communication strategies in response to this data. Regardless of whether a business appears on the list, Netto stresses the need for proactive preparation to address potential employee concerns and perceptions.
Netto suggests that even if a business isn’t featured on the list, employees may still harbour questions regarding their company’s stance on gender equality, such as disparities in board representation or opportunities for career advancement. Hence, the manner in which employers communicate their responses will be paramount, potentially carrying as much weight as the statistical findings themselves.
Anticipating potential inquiries and unrest, Netto advises companies to proactively craft responses and statements. By doing so, they can demonstrate thoughtfulness and leadership, potentially mitigating any knee-jerk reactions that may exacerbate tensions. Being the first to address the issue not only portrays a sense of control but also positions the employer as a leader in addressing gender equality concerns.
Netto underscores the importance of avoiding unprepared reactions, advocating for a crisis management approach to messaging. In a guide tailored for HR Daily Premium members, she outlines strategies for leveraging robust data to effectively manage crises and foster a workplace culture that attracts and retains talent.
Flexibility Reigns Supreme in Workplace Benefits Landscape
In a recent report by Perkbox Australia, flexible working arrangements emerge as the most coveted workplace benefit among 67% of Australian employees. Surpassing rewards for achievements and opportunities for remote work, flexible arrangements hold unparalleled significance in the eyes of the workforce.
Perkbox Australia CEO, Doug Butler, highlights the pivotal role of flexibility, remote work, and concerns about the cost of living in shaping employee preferences. The report serves as a poignant reminder for employers to recognize the value employees place on flexibility, with a majority expressing willingness to leave their current roles should their WFH privileges be rescinded.
Financial Wellbeing Takes Center Stage in Employee Priorities
New findings from Reward Gateway’s Workplace Engagement Index underscore the growing importance of financial wellbeing in employees’ priorities. With more than half of respondents citing salary and financial benefits as their primary concern, employers are urged to address rising living costs and inflationary pressures.
Furthermore, employees express a strong desire for their employers to prioritize financial wellbeing in the coming year, surpassing mental and physical health considerations. Despite stagnant or deteriorating financial situations for many, particularly millennials, the data underscores the urgency for employers to take proactive measures to support their employees’ financial wellness.
