Our gender equality work gains double recognition
We’ve been named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2023 in recognition of our commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace
- We’ve been named as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023
- Most competitive year yet for the listing with record number of applications received
- List recognises employers across the UK for their commitment to address gender inequalities
- We have also won Women into Construction’s Opening Up Opportunities for Female Talent Award 2023
Now in its thirteenth year, The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality is the UK’s most high profile and well-established listing of employers taking action and leading the way to strive for workplace equality. This year was the most competitive yet, with a record number of applications received.
Our work helping to address the gender imbalance and change the face of the built environment industry has also been recognised by Women into Construction, who have awarded us their Opening Up Opportunities for Female Talent Award 2023.
While progress has been made, gender inequalities remain prevalent in UK workplaces, especially in times of economic disruption such as the aftermath of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
As a leading family-owned building, development and property services business, we’re a key player in one of the UK’s least diverse industries. Committed to creating a fair place to work, we offer industry-leading family leave, flexible working policies including mentoring circles and reverse mentoring schemes.
We also hold an annual Inclusion Month each September, during which all our people have opportunities to learn, and participate in, activities promoting greater inclusion. We have also established pioneering relationships with partners like Women into Construction, STEM Returners and STEM Women to create pathways into construction for women in different life stages.
It’s our people who make us successful and we are committed to building a fair place to work where everyone can thrive.
We strive to ensure that we hire fairly, we pay fairly, and that all our colleagues are treated fairly. To be listed as one of the top 50 employers for gender equality is a testament to this ongoing effort. We know that we still have much more to do to make our company and the wider built environment industry fair and equitable and we will continue to lead the way.”
Eoghan O’Lionaird
Chief Executive, Wates
Whilst companies such as Wates are doing a brilliant job at reducing gender inequalities in the workplace, it is evident that there is far more work to be done. There are still too many employees who face barriers in the workplace, from pay gaps to caring responsibilities.
The cost-of-living crisis, following the pandemic has made these inequalities even more noticeable. It is encouraging to see that this year, we have seen the highest number of applications to the Times Top 50 compared to any year so far. Wates being recognised as a Times Top 50 employer for gender equality shows that it is committed to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace so that once and for all, inequalities in the workplace can be a thing of the past.”
Charlotte Woodworth
Gender Equality Director at Business in the Community
