Unlocking the Gender Diversity Edge

The panel included Angela Hucker from EPIC, Erin Flannery from Ventia, Keilee Armstrong from The Safe Step and The Next Step's own Anica Weereratne. Through thought-provoking discussions, they explored the importance of creating environments that are truly inclusive of all genders, addressing key challenges still faced by women in traditionally male-dominated HR fields and how fostering greater gender diversity unlocks benefits like increased innovation, higher profits, and improved organizational outcomes.

Anica Weereratne noted, the benefits of gender diversity go well beyond just being fair and ethical. Businesses with greater diversity produce up to 10% higher profits and drive more innovation. Companies with above-average gender diversity on their management teams outperform others by 25% on profitability (DDI, 2022).

However, the panel acknowledged that women remain significantly underrepresented in HR across male-dominated industries. Angela Hucker from EPIC explained: "The statistics around gender inequality in our industry are really quite shocking. Women often lack basic facilities and properly fitting workwear."

A cultural shift

Driving lasting change requires a top-down cultural commitment, starting with leadership.

Some practical steps for boosting gender diversity in HR teams:

• Implement robust gender diversity and inclusion policies
• Have transparent targets and accountability measures
• Ensure equal pay through wage auditing
• Offer flexible work arrangements and family support
• Actively develop a pipeline of female HR talent
• Showcase positive female role models

Female mentors from within the HR profession

As Erin Flannery from Ventia shared, having visible women in leadership roles makes it easier for others to see themselves progressing. Her own team is an impressive 60% female – the result of simply "hiring the right people for the job."

Breaking barriers in the workplace For those operating in more traditional workplace settings, basic requirements like having proper facilities should be a no-brainer. But there are more subtle barriers too, like archaic attitudes or a lack of mentors and sponsors.

Some ways companies are getting it right are:

• Running women-only training programs to build competencies
• Having clear pathways for career progression and development
• Women in leadership training programs
• Skills-based hiring, with a broad lens on what 'good' might look like

Gender diversity must be prioritized from the start of the hiring process. As Keilee Armstrong noted, "Inclusion for all genders needs to start before a new employee joins." Female human resources professionals bring unique skills and perspectives that drive innovation and enhance problem-solving within HR teams, ensuring organizations achieve the best results. Gender diversity introduces different ways of thinking and working together that are essential for avoiding groupthink and understanding a variety of perspectives critical to success in this rewarding profession.

At The Next Step, we use skills-based hiring to consider a wide range of qualified, diverse candidates. By partnering throughout the recruitment process - from inclusive job posts to fair interviews and hiring - we help build truly diverse, high-performing human resources teams.

Take the first step

Reaping the benefits of greater gender inclusion doesn't happen overnight – it requires an ongoing commitment from the top. But by taking proactive steps to create a supportive culture, organizations can drive real progress while improving HR performance. It's a winning formula that helps make great things happen in the world of work.

How can we help?

If you're an employer aiming to build a top-tier, gender-diverse HR team or a professional looking to grow your career in the HR field, our specialised consultants are ready to assist. We can guide you through proven strategies to attract diverse talent and cultivate an inclusive culture