Explore WGEA findings on part-time work and how FlexCareers can help implement flexible solutions.
Australia leads the way with one of the highest shares of part-time employment across OECD countries, and the landscape of work is shifting rapidly. Thanks to technological advancements and evolving employee expectations, flexible working arrangements are no longer just a perk—they're becoming mainstream.
According to the latest WGEA Gender Equity Insights report, more women (29%) and men (31%) are choosing part-time work out of personal preference, with fewer citing childcare as the primary reason. This shift highlights the increasing desire for balance and autonomy, but it also reveals some significant challenges that employers must address to truly unlock the benefits of part-time work.
One pressing issue is the "part-time promotion cliff." For non-managers, promotion rates for both men and women in part-time roles are half that of their full-time colleagues. It's a missed opportunity that not only impacts career progression but also undermines the potential of a diverse workforce.
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The WGEA report underscores that enabling more management roles to be undertaken part-time and flexibly not only broadens the talent pool but also supports reducing the gender pay gap. Wooldridge adds, “Crucially, this report finds that employers who conduct a gender pay gap analysis, set targets and implement a formal policy or strategy on flexible work have higher rates of women managers working part-time.”
By embracing flexible work practices, employers can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all employees, helping to close the gender gap and enhance organisational success.
There's also the question of pay. While the part-time gender pay gap sits at 2.7% in favour of women, the broader challenge remains: the part-time managerial gender pay gap. However, with the right flexible work strategy, employers can reduce this gap while increasing the share of female managers working part-time by 1.8 percentage points.
Encouragingly, companies with higher representation of women on boards have been shown to positively impact the share of women in part-time employment. This demonstrates that flexible work, when done right, can foster more inclusive and diverse leadership teams.
At FlexCareers, we specialise in helping businesses design and implement flexible work strategies that support all employees—regardless of gender, role, or preferred working arrangement. From developing policies to promoting a culture of flexibility, we offer solutions that not only attract top talent but also ensure that part-time workers have access to the same opportunities as their full-time counterparts.
Don’t let your organisation fall into the part-time promotion trap. By working with us, you can create a flexible and equitable workplace where all employees can thrive.
Contact FlexCareers today and let’s get started on your journey to a more inclusive and flexible workforce.
#FlexibleWork #FlexibleEmployer #GenderEquity #DiversityAndInclusion #PartTimeWork #WorkplaceSolutions #WGEAInsights
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