Jacobs (NYSE:J) is recognized for the fourth consecutive year for its efforts in driving gender equality in the workplace. The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 is the U.K.’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers taking demonstratable action to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Business in the Community (BITC) has been running The Times Top 50 for 14 years, as part of its Gender Equality work. Applicants are assessed on the work they do to remove gender inequalities in the workplace, including flexible working, family friendly policies, pay, reward and progression at work.
“This award demonstrates Jacobs’ continued commitment and success in taking demonstrable action to create equality in the workplace,” said Jacobs Senior Vice President Kate Kenny. “We’re significantly improving our global gender balance, with our aspiration to achieve 40% female talent, 40% male talent and 20% being a flexible measure — including any gender and those who choose not to identify or disclose.”
Jacobs’ TogetherBeyond℠ approach supports a workplace where people of all backgrounds, gender, ethnicity, geography, disability, sexuality or any other characteristic, can thrive.
“At Jacobs, we intentionally integrate equality into our daily operations and empower our people to thrive and contribute,” says Jacobs TogetherBeyond Director, Europe, Melissa Godfray. “For example, we enhanced a number of our wellbeing benefits, including introducing a new partnership with Carrot to bring employees inclusive fertility healthcare, family forming benefits for all paths to parenthood, and menopause and low testosterone benefits and support. We’re proud of the progress we have made so far, however we acknowledge we still have work to do as we continue our journey.”
“Being named as a Times Top 50 employer for gender equality demonstrates Jacobs’ commitment to driving a more equitable, inclusive world,” explains Business in the Community Gender Equality Director Charlotte Woodworth. “But while the employers who made the list are doing great work prioritizing gender equality, there is still more work to do. From addressing pay disparities to better supporting those with caring responsibilities, many employees, women among them, still face barriers to finding employment and progressing in their careers. It is every employer’s responsibility to play their part in reducing and removing gender inequalities from the workplace, and research shows this isn’t just the right thing to do, it also makes business sense.”
Developing talent
Jacobs’ agile careers structure enables employees to develop new skills and accelerate learning in different business areas. In 2023, the company introduced its Returnship Programme for professionals looking to refresh skills and reignite careers after an extended career break.
In addition to amplifying diverse representation across its talent programmes, in 2023 Jacobs launched two bespoke programmes, black LeadHERship and WISE (Women Inspiring and Supporting Each other), to provide support, mentorship and development opportunities to prepare participants for success in their current and future leadership roles.
Focus on wellbeing
Integrating physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing, Jacobs’ global wellbeing programme, tools and benefits provides resources and support for employees and their families.
In addition to Carrot benefits, Jacobs’ parental leave transition programme, Bridge the Gap, helps employees navigate different pathways to and through parenthood, with structured workshops for employees and their line managers, toolkits, buddies and office champions.
About Business in the Community
Business in the Community is the U.K.’s largest and most influential responsible business network dedicated to building a fairer and greener world together, supported by His Majesty the King for over 40 years. BITC inspires, engages and challenges purposeful leaders to take practical action to mobilise their collective strength as a force for good in society.
