Management told to keep chances equal

SENIOR managers should take personal responsibility for ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace, according to the Affirmative Action Agency’s annual report tabled recently in Federal parliament.

Despite claims workplaces were becoming increasingly harassment-free and open to family-friendly policies, most Australian companies do not seem to understand the key lies in changing attitudes – starting with the CEO.

A recent AAA survey indicated CEO commitment to equal employment opportunity was the driving factor in removing attitudinal barriers.

The AAA annual report says managers should examine ways to retain female talent rather than blaming exterior factors such as the perceived unattractiveness of an industry to women.