Built Environment Businesses Named in Gender Equality List

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21 June 2024

AECOM, Sodexo and Willmott Dixon have all been named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 list.

The list recognises firms that have taken proactive steps to embed gender quality into their business strategy. Companies were judged on their concrete actions to address gender inequality in the workplace, such as flexible working policies and inclusive work environments that include measures like tailored workwear for women and period dignity facilities. 

Sodexo was praised for working towards becoming an accredited menopause-friendly employer and joining the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme. Willmott Dixon’s Women’s Leadership Programme was also highlighted, as a pathway where 52 per cent of women who have completed the programme have been promoted or progressed their career in a different role since its launch in 2021.

Business in the Community (BITC) has been running the list for 14 years, highlighting companies that seek equality for all genders and those who do not identify as a gender. 

Research shows that women are disproportionately impacted during times of economic crisis, with women from Black, Asian, Mixed Race or other ethnically diverse backgrounds being the worst affected. Even though the gender pay gap for full-time workers in the UK is declining slowly (in April 2023 it stood at 7.7 per cent compared to 8.3 per cent in 2022) the proportion of women in higher-paid and managerial roles remains below 50 per cent for all age groups.

Businesses also have their initiatives to tackle sexual harassment and gender-based violence appraised. One such programme is Sodexo and the International Union Federation’s (IUF) joint declaration to prevent domestic abuse worldwide – the first company in its sector to sign this type of declaration.

Mary Macleod, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said:  “It is imperative for employers to eradicate gender inequality in the workplace, not only because it is the right thing to do, but it will also unlock economic benefits for businesses and the UK. The businesses that have made it into this year’s Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list set an excellent example. While there is still much work to be done, the progress being made to ensure equal pay, career progression and offering enhanced flexible working and family friendly policies shows that we’re on the right path.” 

Picture: a photograph of some Willmott Dixon team members holding a large sign with the "Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality" logo on it. Image Credit: Willmott Dixon

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 21 June 2024

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