Jan 10, 2024
Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows that as of May 2023, women in Australia earned, on average, 87 cents for every dollar men earned. Legislative changes will compel larger organisations of 100 employees or more to disclose their gender pay data, marking a crucial step in promoting transparency, accountability, and ultimately closing the gender pay gap.
Starting in 2024, organisations with a workforce exceeding 100 employees will be legally required to disclose their gender pay gaps. This disclosure will encompass data illustrating the disparities in earnings between male and female employees, shedding light on any existing inequalities.
The legislation is not solely focused on revealing the pay gap but also emphasises transparency in remuneration practices. Organisations will be obligated to provide insights into their salary structures, ensuring a clear understanding of how pay decisions are made within the organisation.
Unlike previous reporting mechanisms that might have excluded bonuses and benefits, the new legislation mandates a comprehensive approach. Organisations will be required to disclose not only base salaries but also additional forms of compensation, providing a more accurate representation of the total remuneration received by employees.
Recognising that pay disparities may vary across industries, the legislation allows for the establishment of sector-specific benchmarks. This tailored approach aims to facilitate more nuanced assessments and comparisons within specific sectors, fostering targeted strategies for improvement.
With mandatory disclosure, organisations will face increased accountability for their gender pay practices. The transparency brought about by the legislation will empower employees, investors, and the public to hold companies accountable for fostering an equitable workplace.
The detailed data on gender pay gaps, including bonuses and benefits, will enable organisations to identify specific areas of concern. Armed with this information, organisations can implement targeted strategies to address disparities and promote a more inclusive work environment.
The legislation serves as a catalyst for cultural and systemic change within organisations. By making gender pay data publicly accessible, there is a collective push for organisations to reassess their policies, promote fairness, and work towards closing the gender pay gap.
Australia’s decision to mandate gender pay disclosure in organisations with over 100 employees from 2024 signifies a landmark move toward workplace transparency and gender equality.
As organisations prepare for compliance, the spotlight on gender pay gaps will undoubtedly drive a renewed commitment to fair remuneration practices, creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce for the future. This legislative shift reinforces Australia’s dedication to fostering gender equality and sets a progressive example for other nations to follow.
Our team can help you create and manage your own policies and procedures. Call us on 1800 868 254 or set up a meeting to discuss how we can help you.
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Nov 28, 2023
This incident highlights the importance of establishing clear guidelines and procedures to balance an employee’s personal activities and professional responsibilities.
In the age of remote work and constant connectivity, team members often find themselves juggling personal and work-related tasks. Employers need to recognise this reality and adapt their policies to accommodate the evolving nature of the workplace. The lawyer’s case underscores the need for a nuanced approach that considers the challenges of the modern work environment.
The lawyer’s situation included concerns about both performance and unauthorised remote work. Employers must proactively address performance issues and set expectations for remote work to avoid misunderstandings. Regular performance evaluations, open communication, and clearly defined remote work policies can help mitigate such issues.
The lawyer’s seven-hour personal internet browsing over four days raised questions about the acceptable boundaries of personal activities during work hours. While employers have a legitimate interest in maintaining productivity, it is crucial to establish realistic expectations and communicate them clearly to team members. Striking a balance between personal freedom and professional responsibilities is key to fostering a healthy work environment.
The Fair Work Commission’s ruling emphasised the procedural deficiencies in the lawyer’s termination. Employers should ensure that any disciplinary actions, including terminations, follow a fair and transparent process. This includes notifying team members of specific concerns, providing them with an opportunity to respond, and considering the overall context of their performance.
Clearly communicate expectations regarding personal internet usage during work hours. Establish guidelines that distinguish acceptable from unacceptable behaviour.
Conduct regular performance reviews to address concerns promptly and provide constructive feedback. This allows team members to understand expectations and improve their performance.
Clearly define remote work policies, outlining when and how team members can work remotely. Address concerns about unauthorised remote work through open communication and collaboration.
Follow a fair and transparent disciplinary process when faced with performance issues. Notify team members of specific concerns, allow them to respond, and consider the overall context of their performance.
Provide training to team members on acceptable internet usage and the company’s policies. Foster awareness of the impact personal activities can have on overall productivity.
As the digital landscape continues to shape how we work, employers must adapt their policies and procedures to address the challenges posed by personal and work internet browsing crossover. Striking a balance between personal freedom and professional responsibilities and fair and transparent processes is essential for maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace. By navigating these boundaries thoughtfully, employers can foster a positive work environment that encourages accountability and employee well-being.
Our team can help you create and manage your own policies and procedures. Call us on 1800 868 254 or set up a meeting to discuss how we can help you.
Guides to help you uncover human resource insights, and make the right changes to improve team delight.
Amelie is our Marketing Lead and currently studying for a B.A. in Business and Visual Arts. She brings her visual arts skills and eye for colour and detail to our graphics and design for the business.
Amelie uses her skills as a digital native in our Marketing team and works across our social media channels. Amelie provides administrative support and assists the recruitment team in finding great candidates.
Sarah joins the team at Total HRM following her time in a regional real estate company, most recently in HR. She brings a solid understanding of the unique dynamics and challenges within small and medium-sized businesses.
Prior to real estate, Sarah worked in the airline industry, providing her with excellent skills in customer service and how to remain calm in a crisis.
Known for her positive energy, Sarah approaches her role with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to support and uplift those she works with. With her experience in HR and recruitment, Sarah is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, professional growth, and employee well-being. Her ability to connect with people and create a positive work atmosphere contributes to the overall success of teams and the business as a whole.
Ashly is one of our most experienced HR Business Partners with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and hospitality, both local and overseas, ranging from large multinational companies to small family-owned operations. Throughout his career, Ashly regularly led teams with over 30 employees while continually growing the business and aligning business strategies with employee capabilities.
Ashly has qualifications in Applied Management and Human Resources and a strong leadership and people management background. Ashly combines his experience with his qualifications to develop great workplace cultures while delivering practical support.
As our Business Services Manager, David keeps everything that is Total HRM ticking along – from overseeing administration and finance functions, liaising with clients and suppliers, to IT troubleshooting and keeping everyone on track to deliver effective customer service to all our clients.
In a business landscape of ‘information overload’, Kim’s pragmatic approach simplifies the ever-changing HR trends and legislation to obtain meaningful and maximum benefits for her clients.
Kim is well known for her ability to understand the ‘real’ issues within businesses and to provide solutions for sustained business growth.
Kim has over 20 years of experience in human resources and 15 years of business consulting experience, and she holds post-graduate Business and Human Resource qualifications.
She has vast and varied experience in senior consulting roles across varying disciplines and HR management positions within retail, manufacturing and professional service sectors.
Linda is the Managing Director of Total HRM and has worked for over twenty five years in business and consulting, including executive and senior management roles. She has worked here and overseas in numerous industries, including mining, energy and government. Her experience in areas such as production, strategic planning, finance, OHS/WHS, and lecturing in Human Resources Management at La Trobe University provides her with a unique blend of business and HR capability.
Linda has led comprehensive organisational restructures and implemented programs to improve the effectiveness of businesses with clear alignment between individuals’ contributions and organisational outcomes. She works with various local boards and executive teams in the region. She is a Certified Professional Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.