Property Industry Still Struggling To Find Gender Balance

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PROPERTY INDUSTRY STILL STRUGGLING TO FIND GENDER BALANCE


Only 20% of women are represented in senior leadership roles

 A new survey released by the Property Council of Australia has highlighted the gender challenge facing the property industry today.

 According to the WA property industry gender diversity survey, the West Australian property industry has made great strides in championing diversity. However, there is still a need to close the equality gap further to ensure fairness in the industry.   

 The survey found that despite recent positive steps by the industry, women are still under represented in leadership positions with only 20% of women in senior positions. Additionally, the survey found that women are disproportionally represented in ‘flexible working arrangements’.  91% of part time positions were filled by women, while 80% of casual positions were filled by women.

Key findings from the survey found: 

  • there is a gender imbalance in senior leadership roles, with women only representing, at best, 20% of leaders in the WA property sector
  • women in the sector were disproportionately represented in ‘flexible working arrangements’ being employed in either part-time (91%) or casual positions (80%); and
  • small to medium sized organisations found it more difficult to accommodate proactive diversity policies ‘on-the-ground’.

 The survey highlights the need for organisations to pursue cultural change to embrace gender diversity and recognise the challenges women may face within the property sector.

Lino Iacomella, Deputy Executive Director, Property Council of Australia commented: “The property sector has been a leader in driving gender diversity with initiatives like the Women in Property Mentoring Program. However, the industry recognises that it needs to be more proactive in promoting and progressing gender equality in the workplace and leveraging the many benefits of a diverse workforce.”

He added: “Our survey highlights the equality gap that still exists in our industry and the challenges facing women striving for the top. Organisations can foster equality by implementing measures to facilitate fair recruitment, retention and promotion and through cultural change which embraces diversity.   The property industry is a unique position to lead the way in promoting equality and becoming a truly diversified sector.”

The survey was sent to all WA Property Council member organisations, with the responses representing 6,700 direct employees in the WA property sector.

Media contact:  Lino Iacomella  |  T  08 9426 1204 |   E  [email protected]