Food and beverage corporation, Pepsico Australia, has been recognised by the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.
It is the only FMCG organisation in Australia to be lauded with this accolade.
Among the prerequisites for the distinction is a focus on equal pay and flexible working, which Shiona Watson, senior human resources director, PepsiCo Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), says are central to the company’s commitment to gender equality.
“Winning with diversity and inclusion is one of our core PepsiCo values. Our company has a multi-faceted approach to fostering an inclusive culture, with a focus on leadership development, partnerships with external diversity organisations and career mentoring; as well as flexible work programs to help all employees balance work and home life,” she said.
Watson cites her own career trajectory with PepsiCo as an example of the equality entrenched in the company’s value system, explaining how the company has facilitated a work/life balance between her roles as both senior director and a mother, consequently bolstering her professional development.
According to Robert Rietbroek, CEO, PepsiCo ANZ, equal female representation within the workforce elevates business performance, and ultimately, competitive advantage- a tenet he argues should be implemented in more companies.
