UK Special Award 2005:

Special Award: Gender
Supporter: Equal Opportunities Commission
www.eoc.org.uk

Winner: Admiral Insurance Group Plc

Recent research published by the Equal Opportunities Commission shows that gender discrimination and hindering practices remain prominent features in many workplaces, particularly for women who would like flexible working arrangements and occupy part time positions. This year Great Place to Work® Institute UK is presenting a special award with support from the Equal Opportunities Commission. The award recognises best practice in promoting gender equality in the workplace. This award still has an important resonance for many working women in the twenty first century.

Employees’ perceptions about gender equality were critical to the way we distinguished the best candidates. Over 95% of employees surveyed at the winning organisation responded positively when asked if they felt there is fair treatment regardless of gender in their workplace. This was complemented by a search for an organisation that ensures gender equality at all levels, and empowers women to go to work and develop their careers.

The winner, Admiral Insurance Group, is committed to providing flexible working arrangements through both formal and informal channels. Moreover, it is an organisation that leads from the top. For example, five out of six brand-managing directors are women, three of which are returning Mums working four days a week. These women provide an excellent role model for employees developing their career throughout the organisation. In addition, to accommodate their commitment to flexibility, if the working hours of one department do not suit an individual's needs, they offer the employee the chance to move to a department with more flexible hours without affecting the position of the employee. They also offer all employees a career break of up to 12 months for family responsibilities.

Admiral’s approach enables its employees - both women and men alike, to balance their personal lives and caring responsibilities while still carving out a career. This, in turn, helps Admiral retain employees and attract a wide pool of recruits who may have previously been reluctant to combine their work with other responsibilities.