A number of life industry players have been recognised for implementing workplace measures that support gender equality in areas like pay gap and offering family-friendly policies like paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements.

TAL, Challenger and super funds – AustralianSuper, AwareSuper, HESTA, TelstraSuper – have made it to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation.

The citation recognises, encourages and promotes organisations with an active commitment to workplace gender equality. WGEA accepts new applications for the voluntary leading practice program each year and successful organisations will hold the citation for two years.

WGEA says employers with a certification have an average pay gap of 17.4%, which is 26% lower than non-certified ones; more women on governing bodies; longer periods of employer-funded parental leave for primary carers; and more male managers taking primary carer’s leave.

TAL Group CEO and MD Brett Clark says the citation is a “reflection of our diverse and inclusive culture, where our people are valued for who they are”.

“We are committed to advancing equality,” he said. “Driving and embedding gender equality as part of our broader Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy helps ensure all our people are treated equally, can perform their roles to the best of their ability, and have the opportunity for personal growth and development.”