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Navigating changes to the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) Program

The WGEA has introduced significant changes to the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) program, effective from 2025. While some updates will be welcomed by employers, others may spark debate. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what employers need to know.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency has introduced significant changes to the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) program, effective from 2025.

The citation encourages, recognises, and promotes employers’ active achievement of, and commitment to, gender equality in Australian workplaces. There are now two citation levels with three pillars of assessment relating to continuous improvement metrics, employee experience metrics and policy and education inputs.

We’ll be working with our clients to navigate these changes and achieve their gender equality goals in 2025, designing appropriate solutions for business context and diversity maturity.

If you’re aiming for one of the new citation levels, our team offers support with:

  • Strategic guidance on meeting the new requirements
  • Action plan development to address areas of improvement, particularly to reduce gender pay gaps
  • Diversity and inclusion surveys that incorporate required questions
  • Inclusive leadership and Inclusive Board Workshops to support top level leadership in fostering gender equality.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes.

Two Citation Levels

The EOCGE program now features two citation levels: the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) andEmployer Committed to Gender Equality (ECGE). Both the EOCGE and ECGE citations will now be awarded for a three-year period, up from two years.

1. Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE)

This prestigious citation is awarded to organisations that demonstrate outstanding capability and achievement in critical areas of influence on workplace gender equality. There are three pillars of assessment: continuous improvement metrics, employee experience metrics and policy and education inputs

To qualify for this citation, employers must be able to:

2. Employer Committed to Gender Equality (ECGE)

Employers that do not meet the outcomes of the EOCGE can apply for the Employer Committed to Gender Equality (ECGE) citation. It serves as recognition for employers committed to, and actively working towards, achieving the gender equality outcomes in the EOCGE citation.

Employers seeking the ECGE citation will also need to meet baseline “self-assessment” requirements.

“Self-Assessment” Criteria

A key change is the shift from submitting detailed information or evidence against assessment criteria. Instead, employers will review the criteria across six domains and assess whether they meet the requirements. The CEO must then confirm that all “self assessment” criteria are met at the time of application.

The six domains are:

Domain 1: Gender equality strategy and planning

Domain 2: Leadership and governance

Domain 3: Gender informed remuneration practices, monitoring and evaluation

Domain 4: Gender informed workplace policies

Domain 5: Gender informed training and development

Domain 6: Driving change beyond your workplace

Read more about the changes here 

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