The Champions of Change Coalition Annual Impact Report has highlighted the significant progress by Australia’s property leaders in advancing gender equality in the traditionally male-dominated industry, and the ongoing commitment to accelerate gender balance.
The Champions of Change Property Group welcomed seven new women members this year, bringing its membership to 29, comprising nine women and 20 men. The 2024 Impact Report outlines the measurable strides member organisations have made in addressing gender equality and tackling sexual and domestic violence.
The report showed that 96 per cent of Property Group member organisations offer support for employees, their families or friends impacted by domestic and family violence, while 76 per cent have initiatives aimed at creating a positive community impact in this area.
All member organisations now have strategies and policies to encourage greater uptake of parental leave by all parents, and 84 per cent provide additional initiatives beyond carer’s leave to support employees with caregiving responsibilities beyond parenting.
Additionally, 71 per cent of organisations have established targets and timelines to address and close their gender pay gaps.
Champions of Change Property Convenor and CBRE CEO Phil Rowland said the Group continues to advance efforts towards creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
“The report highlights the Group’s progress on tackling a broad range of issues that create gender inequality in our industry. Of particular note is the commitments all members have made to eradicate sexual harassment and foster zero-harm environments,” Mr Rowland said.
“In the year ahead, the group is committed to double-down on our effort to achieve gender balance across our industry, including by addressing some of the tough spots, expanding initiatives around everyday respect, strengthening inclusive succession planning, and creating more carer-inclusive workplaces for working carers with diverse caring responsibilities.”
Property Council CEO Mike Zorbas said the Group has made significant strides towards gender equality in their organisations.
“The Group is delivering a strong message that gender equality is essential to doing business well,” Mr Zorbas said.
“Our leaders have a nationally significant role as advocates for safe and inclusive workplaces because the property industry is one of Australia’s largest employers.
“The industry has made significant progress in recent years and there is a healthy acknowledgment and enthusiasm among our leaders that we have much more to do,” he said.