We know that equality doesn’t necessarily mean equity. So, at AECOM, we are building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, explicitly empowering women to reach their potential and addressing some of the unique challenges that women face in the workplace.
With clear policy commitments, overt targets and significant investment in enabling frameworks for women at all stages of their careers, we aim to lead the infrastructure sector in gender diversity.
Policy that enables
Gender representation and targets: We have set near-and long-term targets for increasing gender representation in our leadership positions and across our workforce. We are committed to gender equality and providing women with equitable access to advance their careers.
With women making up almost 50% of our 2023 graduate intake, we are actively building and nurturing the female STEM leaders of the future.
Parental Leave policies: AECOM is a family-friendly workplace supporting our people before, during, and after parental leave. With no qualifying period, we provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers, three weeks for secondary carers, and flexible working arrangements for all. The policy covers all parents, including same-sex partnerships, surrogacy, or adoption. We are committed to supporting parents returning from parental leave as an essential part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our programs and initiatives help women to balance their work and family responsibilities, advance their careers, and feel welcome and valued in the workplace.
Frameworks that empower
Advocate Sponsorship program: We support high-performing emerging female leaders by partnering them with members of AECOM’s Australia and New Zealand Leadership Team and providing access to networks, strategic alliances and opportunities. Now in its fourth year, with over 50 women having benefitted, this program delivers impactful, sustainable outcomes and cultural change. We run each program for seven months, but informal sponsorship relationships continue throughout the individual’s career, prompting two-way learning around the lived experiences of AECOM women. Find out more.
Work180 Endorsed Employer for All Women: This recognition for AECOM means that we have a proven commitment to promoting career development and empowering all employees to reach their fullest potential and thrive in the workplace. With a number of supportive policies, including those around flexible working, paid parental leave and inclusive hiring processes, AECOM demonstrates a genuine commitment to driving positive change. To view our benefits and policies and find an opportunity that suits you, check AECOM’s Work180 profile here.
mCircles program: Our supportive mCircles network runs wide and deep! AECOM women empower themselves and each other by building networks, engaging in peer-to-peer learning and sharing personal experiences through this region-wide networking group.
Inclusion training: Our culture is open and inclusive, nurturing diversity with an engaging and comprehensive learning and development program, covering topics including unconscious bias, LGBTQ+, Māori and Pasifika and First Nations knowledge to build awareness, understanding, and capability across the organisation.
Where Women Work Partnership: We partner with Where Women Work to promote gender diversity and create a more inclusive workplace. Through this partnership, AECOM has access to a global network of female professionals, which helps us attract, retain, and develop talented women in STEM-related fields. Find out more.
Rewarding career paths for female leaders: The unique talents, backgrounds, and expertise of female leaders are highly valued and respected and we recognise and appreciate the immense contributions that women bring to the table. Joining us allows women to pursue rewarding career opportunities in technical leadership, growth and client management, project & program management, and business leadership. Find out more.
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Industry leadership with impact
WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality: We are proud of our 11-year-long achievement of the Employer of Choice citation, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality in the workplace. The equality citation goes to organisations demonstrating best practices in promoting gender equality, including leadership, strategy, policy, communication and results. Companies must meet rigorous criteria to achieve the citation. Find out more.
Consult Australia Champions of Change: We are part of this group of industry leaders committed to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces in the Australian consulting industry. The involvement of our CEO means we have commitment and accountability on gender equity from our most senior leaders. Our involvement allows us to drive change, promote best practices for gender equity, and work to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for women. Find out more.
Recognition Days: Publicly recognising how far we and our industry still have to go is part of our commitment to lead and deliver on gender equity at AECOM. We recognise International Women’s Day, Women in Engineering Day and other significant days to support the ongoing conversation in our industry.