Hachette UK named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023

Hachette UK has been listed as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023 for the fourth consecutive year, and remains the only UK publishing business to be featured.

One of the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established list of employers making gender equality part of their business strategy at all levels, The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality awards organisations on their commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.

Hachette UK submitted evidence of the business’ commitment to removing gender inequalities in the workplace, including flexible working, family-friendly policies, pay, reward, and progression at work. Hachette UK’s Gender Balance employee network remains the largest of the business’ 11 networks and has driven culture change via events, advising on policy change and advocating for its members.

Lisa Waterman, Group HR Director at Hachette UK, said: “I’m delighted that Hachette UK has been selected as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality for the fourth year running. I am pleased to have been recognised for the support we have given our workforce during this time of economic disruption, the progress we’ve made on the number of women in senior leadership roles, and our continued push forward with gender equality initiatives such as our Pregnancy and Baby Loss Guidelines as well as the work we continue to do on promoting our Menopause policy.

Whilst listings such as this demonstrate we are moving in the right direction, I also realise the continual need for us to openly talk about equality, equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace ensuring we are all actively accountable for creating positive change. I’m proud to work for a business that has gender equality at its heart and am excited by the work we need to do for the future.”

Charlotte Woodworth, Gender Equality Director at Business in the Community, said: “Whilst companies such as Hachette UKare doing a brilliant job at reducing gender inequalities in the workplace, it is evident that there is far more work to be done. There are still too many employees who face barriers in the workplace, from pay gaps to caring responsibilities. The cost-of-living crisis, following the pandemic has made these inequalities even more noticeable.

“It is encouraging to see that this year, we have seen the highest number of applications to the Times Top 50 compared to any year so far. Hachette UK’s being recognised as a Times Top 50 employer for gender equality shows that it is committed to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace so that once and for all, inequalities in the workplace can be a thing of the past.”

Mary Macleod, Chief Executive at Business in the Community said: “We know that when women succeed, the UK succeeds, enabling our communities and planet to thrive. Hachette UK is one of the companies leading the way in building a culture where women can reach their full potential by showing real commitment to addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.”

The name of the list, previously The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, has been updated this year to better reflect that addressing gender equality in the workplace requires achieving equality for all, and requires engagement from everyone. BITC gender equality work focuses on equality for all genders and those who do not identify as a gender.