Workplace gender equity policy checklist

Creating equitable workplaces requires deliberate action across every part of an organisation. Pay, flexibility, policies, culture, leadership and career pathways all play a role in shaping how inclusive and fair an organisation truly is.

This checklist provides a practical tool for assessing your organisation’s current equity and inclusion practices. It reflects the principles explored in the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program and highlights the policies, systems and behaviours that help close gender gaps and support diverse leadership.

1. Assess your current position
   Review each category and tick the items your organisation has in place. Be honest about where there are gaps or inconsistencies.
2. Prioritise areas for improvement
   Not every change can happen at once. Identify 2–3 areas with the greatest potential impact on gender equity or employee wellbeing and set short-term goals to address them.
3. Engage your team
   Use this checklist as a conversation starter. Discuss what equity means in your workplace and invite staff to share ideas and experiences that can inform next steps.
4. Embed and review
   Equity work is ongoing. Build regular reviews of policies and practices into your planning cycle, ensuring initiatives remain relevant and effective as your organisation evolves.
5. Celebrate progress
   Acknowledge improvements, share success stories, and model accountability through transparent communication and leadership commitment.