Since the inception of Employer of Choice for Women Awards in 2001, Deloitte has been a high profile recipient and, according to its CEO Giam Swiegers, the firm will continue its focus on ensuring women are inspired and supported in the workplace.

The leading professional services firm was among 38 to be given the award six years running. A total the 116 organisations received the award.

“The success of the Australian firm’s strategy of becoming the professional services choice for talented women has played an important role in the firm developing a successful talent management and performance culture.”

Mr Swiegers said making EO a key strategy in the firm’s business plans ensures managers have it high on their agenda.

“If the business plan says it’s a key strategy, I expect management to understand that. The EO program is a ‘ticket to play’. If people don’t make a commitment in that regard, they won’t be part of my leadership team,” he said.

As a formal mentor to five female employees, Mr Swiegers said this enables him to remain aware of any issues they are encountering in the workplace and also to guide them in their career development.

Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative was launched in 2001 as part of a global program, which under Mr Swiegers unwavering guidance and support grew substantially as the “Inspiring Women” from 2004.

Deloitte’s goal is to be the professional services firm of choice for talented women in Australia. The firm believes that equal opportunity for women is a key driver of the firm’s future growth, sustainability and ability to attract and retain talent. The program aims to:

• assist women to perform to the maximum of their potential 
• assist with networking 
• contribute to the power of its brand   
• support female talent recruitment and retention 
• create a supportive environment (e.g. flexible working arrangements).
  

Deloitte has developed some innovative programs such as its Deloitte Businesswoman of the Year awards and Career Resilience through X-plore, plus a range of mentoring programs (Deloitte’s CEO personally mentors five partners).

As a result of these programs Deloitte has increased its female partnership to 16% (one of the highest in the professional services industry) and has won several awards locally:

• Employer of Choice for Women (February 2001-2007) 
• Best Human Resources Director Award (2006) 
• Human Resources Champion - CEO Award (2006) 
• leading CEO for the Advancement of Women (Nov 2006) 
• JML Human Resources Leader of the Year (June 06).

EOWA Director, Anna McPhee said workplace flexibility is emerging as the key issue for organisations with many now offering extended career breaks, more opportunities to work part time and increased provision of Blackberries and other devices to work remotely.

 “We also noticed that the number of organisations introducing paid maternity leave and the duration of their existing paid maternity leave policy is also increasing.”

“For example Deloitte has a very supportive approach and policy to Parental Leave. Women (or men as ‘primary carers’) are entitled to 12 months maternity leave.

“At below Manager level, staff are paid 2 months salary upfront at the commencement of Parental Leave. Above Manager level, staff are paid 2 months salary upfront, and a further 2 months salary is paid upon their return to work (regardless of the work arrangements. eg. part-time or full time return).

“As a result, a total of 82 women and 4 men were due to return from parental leave in FY05/06, with a return rate of 74% achieved; an improvement on 67% in 2004.”

“The EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation gives women looking to join the workforce or those thinking of changing jobs the ‘inside information’ on workplaces that match the rhetoric with practice and have outcomes to prove it.”

Deloitte Australia is a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the worlds leading Professional Services organisations with revenue of over US$20 billion and 135,000 people in 150 countries.

Deloitte Australia is one of ‘The Big Four’ Professional Services Firms in Australia, and provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through 321 partners and almost 3,200 staff across the country. Focused on the creation of value and growth, and known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs and dedication to helping our clients and our people excel.

Deloitte Australia’s revenue was $520 million as at May 31 2006, an increase of 9.3% on 2005. For the 2007 year revenue is expected to grow by 18%, exceeding $600 million.