Australia's evolving work patterns could present new opportunities to advance gender equality.

Significant shifts in the workforce have been observed as employees increasingly seek flexible work arrangements. 

A new study from Curtin University - Gender Equity Insights 2024: The Changing Nature of Part-Time Work - explores how these changes affect gender equity.

Despite Australia's historically high rates of part-time employment, the report reveals a 3.2 per cent drop in women working part-time over the two years to 2022-23. 

At the same time, full-time roles offering flexibility, such as hybrid or remote work, rose by 2.3 per cent. 

Women aged 35 to 55 showed the largest increase in full-time employment.

This shift in employment preferences, driven by technological advances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the growing demand for autonomy in work arrangements. 

“The growing demand for flexible work options presents a significant opportunity for women to enhance their economic participation and career progression,” said Professor Alan Duncan, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) director and report co-author.

While women increasingly move into flexible full-time roles, part-time workers still face barriers, especially in management. 

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) CEO Mary Wooldridge says part-time employees encounter limited promotion opportunities due to inflexible job design. 

“Women and men working part-time still face a promotion barrier due to the lack of flexible working arrangements,” she added. 

The report calls for employers to normalise flexible work arrangements without career penalties and suggests conducting gender pay gap analyses to drive progress. 

Dr Silvia Salazar, co-author, notes that part-time work is less accessible in male-dominated companies, but that having women on company boards improves these opportunities.

“Implementing policies on flexible work and conducting pay gap audits are crucial for promoting flexible work arrangements and advancing pay equity, particularly for female managers,” she said. 

The report calls on businesses to adjust to a changing labour market and foster gender equality across all levels of employment.

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