Executive Summary
Hygenox, along with all companies under the Hygenox brand, is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, with a specific focus on increasing the representation of women in the green hydrogen space. This Gender Equality Plan outlines concrete actions and measurable goals to achieve gender balance within our organisation and throughout the industry.
Guiding Principles:
- Equal Opportunity: Hygenox believes in providing equal opportunities for all employees to excel, regardless of gender.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We value diverse perspectives and experiences which fuel innovation and drive success.
- Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to transparent communication and regular evaluation of our progress towards gender equality goals.
Action Areas:
1. Education and Outreach:
- Partnerships: Collaborate with universities and technical schools to develop programs and outreach initiatives that encourage women to pursue careers in engineering, focusing on green hydrogen technologies.
- Internships and Scholarships: Offer targeted internships and scholarships specifically for female students in relevant fields.
- Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs connecting female students and early-career professionals with experienced employees, including female leaders within Hygenox.
2. Work-Life Balance:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Promote and facilitate flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, compressed workweeks, and part-time schedules to support employees' work-life balance.
- Parental Leave and Benefits: Offer generous parental leave policies and benefits for both male and female employees, encouraging equal parenting responsibilities.
- Childcare Support: Explore options for on-site or subsidised childcare options to ease childcare burdens for working parents.
3. Leadership and Decision-Making:
- Leadership Development: Implement targeted leadership development programs for women, equipping them with the skills and confidence to advance into leadership roles.
- Unconscious Bias Training: Provide unconscious bias training for all employees to raise awareness and eliminate biases in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluations.
4. Recruitment and Career Progression:
- Gender-Neutral Job Descriptions: Use gender-neutral language and criteria in job descriptions to attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates.
- Mentorship and Sponsorship: Foster mentoring and sponsorship programs to support and guide female employees in their career advancement within Hygenox.
5. Integration of the Gender Dimension:
- Research and Development: Encourage and support research projects that consider the gender dimension in green hydrogen technologies and their potential impact on women.
- Education and Training: Integrate gender equality concepts into training programs for all employees and technical education initiatives.
- Public Awareness: Advocate for gender equality in the green hydrogen industry through public outreach campaigns and partnerships.
6. Measures against Gender-Based Violence:
- Zero Tolerance Policy: Implement a clear and comprehensive zero-tolerance policy against all forms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
- Confidential Reporting Mechanisms: Establish readily accessible and confidential reporting channels for employees to report incidents of gender-based violence and harassment.
- Training and Support: Provide training for all employees on preventing and responding to gender-based violence and harassment, focusing on bystander intervention techniques.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Hygenox will establish a Gender Equality Task Force to monitor the implementation of this plan, track progress towards target goals, and ensure accountability. We will report progress annually through internal and external channels, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.
Commitment:
Hygenox recognises that achieving gender equality is an ongoing process and requires the commitment of all levels of the organisation. We are committed to leading by example and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. This Gender Equality Plan serves as a roadmap for our journey towards a more inclusive and diverse green hydrogen future.
Signed:
Warwick Hill Becks Armstrong
Group CEO Group COO
The Directors of Hygenox Group