Hachette UK named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2022

Hachette UK has been selected as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women for the third year running, in recognition of its commitment to gender equality in the workplace. The award forms part of Hachette UK’s wider mission to be the publisher and employer of choice for everyone, through a programme of policies and initiatives collectively known as Changing the Story.

The Times Top 50 Employers for Women is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers striving for gender equality in the workplace. Run by the charity Business in the Community (BITC) – The Prince’s Responsible Business Network – and The Times for more than a decade, the incredibly competitive process identifies companies which make gender equality part of the way they do business, working to embed it at all levels.

This year’s applicants were closely assessed on the work they do to remove the drivers that enforce gender inequality, as well as the lived experience of women employees by asking what areas they feel need to be improved.

Lisa Waterman, incoming Group HR Director, Hachette UK, commented: “I am delighted that Hachette UK has once again been recognised for its commitment to equality in the workplace by being included on this prestigious list. Both globally, and as an industry, we are undoubtedly facing challenging times ahead, but together with our leadership team and incredible employee networks, we are committed to keeping gender balance firmly on the agenda and pushing forward new equality initiatives across all areas of the business – such as the recent launch of our new Menopause policy. This is something I’m especially keen to drive even further, as I step into my new role as Group HR Director.”

Katy Neep, Gender Equality Campaign Director, Business in the Community, added: “The cost of living crisis following hot on the heels of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 faced by women has further shone a light on how far we have to go on gender equality. Without action from all employers, we will end up chasing our tails while trying to eradicate the inequalities gap and create truly inclusive workplaces for all women. The Times Top 50 gives us hope that we are making strong progress in our goal towards gender equality and, in our 40th year, we call on all employers to be bolder, braver and faster in achieving that goal.

“This year’s application process was the most competitive one we have ever seen. Employers like Hachette UK haven’t lifted their foot off the pedal when it comes to supporting women at work and they are a strong example of what commitment to making gender inequality a thing of the past looks like.”