KPMG analysed the disclosures on diversity made by a selection of listed entities across the ASX, demonstrating a clear acceptance by the Australian listed community of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s approach to diversity disclosure. The work undertaken by KPMG and the report prepared by KPMG was commissioned by the ASX.
It is clear that entities understand the benefits of a diverse workforce with the majority of entities across the samples reviewed putting diversity policies in place. It is anticipated the results of this research will provide a baseline against which the progress of diversity disclosure can be assessed over the coming years.
Ms Jillian Segal, non-executive director of ASX Limited said: "The findings show that there is a strong commitment to report on gender diversity among the vast majority of listed companies."
- In the ASX200 group, 93 percent disclosed in their annual reports the proportion of women employees in the whole organisation: the average percentage of women employees in the whole organisation was 35 percent.
- In the ASX201-500 group, 71 percent of entities disclosed in their annual reports the proportion of women in senior executive positions: the average percentage of women in senior executive positions was 34 percent.
- In the ASX501+ group, 59 percent disclosed in their annual reports the proportion of women on the board: the average percentage of women on the board was 8 percent.