The 2025 WGEA data has landed with a clear message: flexible work is now the cornerstone of gender equity in Australian workplaces. For employers still debating flexible arrangements, this data should be your wake-up call.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The availability of meaningful flexible work is a fundamental enabler of gender equity in the workplace, according to the latest WGEA findings. While all 29 reporting practices now have formal flexible work policies, there's a significant gap between policy and practice.

Here's what's telling: despite policies stating that leaders should role model flexibility, only four practices have designed management roles to be performed part-time. Even more striking, only two practices incorporate job-sharing into their job design and advertising.

The 'All-Roles-Flex' Gold Standard

The WGEA data reveals that 19 practices take an 'all-roles-flex' approach—"flexible work offerings are available to all employees, with a default approval bias". This represents best practice, making flexibility the default rather than the exception.

The most comprehensive offerings include remote working (offered by all but one practice), part-time work, flexible hours, and time-in-lieu arrangements.

Parental Leave Reality Check

While 25 practices provide employer-funded paid parental leave, the gender split reveals ongoing challenges. Universal Carers Leave is offered by just 11 practices, yet where it exists, the impact on gender balance is noticeable.

Most practices exceed WGEA's criteria for primary carers, but two-thirds don't meet the three-week minimum for secondary carers—perpetuating traditional gender roles.

The Business Case Is Clear

With WGEA now publicly publishing employer-level gender pay gap results, flexible work policies aren't just about employee satisfaction—they're about public accountability and brand reputation.

The message is clear: flexible work arrangements are fundamental to achieving gender equity, reducing pay gaps, and creating inclusive workplaces. Organisations that embrace this reality will attract top talent and build sustainable cultures.

Ready to transform your flexible work policies into genuine gender equity outcomes? At FlexCareers, we help Australian employers design and implement flexible work strategies that deliver real results. Whether you're looking to attract diverse talent or create more inclusive workplace policies, we can help you turn the insights from the 2025 WGEA data into actionable change. Contact us today to discuss how flexible work can drive gender equity in your organisation.