Why tackling gender equality in the workplace makes business sense

Businesses risk losing out on skilled and experienced staff as a result of inflexible working practices. Finding innovative ways to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce will go a long way in creating a workforce geared up for success, particularly in the current economic climate. Ed Pereira has been looking at new project designed to help employers do just that.

A £12.5m project funded by the European Social Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government, aimed at tackling the difficulties women face when progressing in the workforce, is set to assist 600 employers across Wales.

Women looking to achieve their full potential and advance their careers are being urged to take part in Chwarae Teg’s Agile Nation project, which will help women to achieve their full potential by promoting gender equality in employment and supporting career advancement.

The project will also help over 600 employers with advice and guidance on equality and diversity issues, raising awareness of the business benefits of flexible working, and will promote and educate employers around work life balance issues.

According to Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg, Katy Chamberlain, taking part in Agile Nation will introduce beneficial new ways of working that will have a long-lasting impact on the bottom line:

“Evidence shows there is still much to do to improve equality of opportunity for women in the workplace. By working with businesses to address barriers to progression and encourage the take-up of flexible working, the project will benefit their entire workforce, and will contribute to the retention of talent which, in the current economic climate, is crucial to success.”

Over 2,800 women in Convergence areas are being sought to take part in Agile Nation which, through training and mentoring, will help them progress their careers and secure higher-skilled employment opportunities. A training allowance scheme will also be available for women with job-specific training needs.

The project has secured the backing of the leading body representing small businesses in Wales. Russell Lawson, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales said:

“Flexible working practices can reduce costs and help increase productivity and are incredibly powerful tools when it comes to staff retention and motivation. Managing flexible working can be a challenge so by engaging with the Agile Nation project small businesses across Wales can be given an all-important helping hand and could really reap the rewards.”

Jane Hutt, Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, said:

“Agile Nation will mark a step change in the position of women in the economic environment in Wales. Chwarae Teg has a long and successful history of promoting the positive contribution that women make to the Welsh economy and this innovative and exciting project will be a lasting legacy of best practice for Wales.”

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