WORK180 reveals top workplaces for women in Australia 2025

WORK180 has released its annual list of the Top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia, highlighting organisations with strong commitments to gender equity, flexibility, and transparency.

This year's assessment was based on ten key criteria, including hiring practices and flexible working arrangements. WORK180 Co-founder and CEO Gemma Lloyd stated, "Our WORK180 endorsement is a trusted seal of approval for women seeking workplaces that truly support them. Our annual top 101 list showcases workplaces that are setting the standard for inclusive, empowering places to work."

Highlighting the significance of transparency, Lloyd added, "Companies are often quick to declare their commitment to gender equity or claim they offer great employee benefits, but women are now wanting to see proof; one in eight say they wouldn't apply to a company that hides its workplace benefits or policies. Transparency isn't just preferred; it's expected."

hipages claimed the top spot on the list, following its WORK180 endorsement in 2024. The company was recognised for its outstanding commitment to employee well-being and gender equity. Jodette Cleary, Chief People & Culture at hipages, said, "We're committed to making our workplace great for everyone. Our comprehensive wellbeing initiative gives employees unlimited access to medical and mental health professionals. Our parental leave program is designed for real-life balance, with part-time options and structured transitions. And when it comes to pay equity, we don't just talk about it, we act on it at every stage, from hiring to promotions and annual salary reviews."

The 2025 What Women Want report from WORK180 underscores the growing demand for transparency and flexibility in the workplace. Lloyd commented on its findings, "It's no coincidence that the top-ranked companies on this year's list offer outstanding flexible work options - flexibility is one of the most powerful tools for attracting, supporting, and retaining women." She criticised superficial perks, stating, "Rather than focusing on surface-level perks like open bars and free lunches, forward-thinking companies are investing in meaningful benefits that genuinely support work-life balance, which remains a key challenge for women in particular."

Systra was ranked seventh, distinguished by its commitment to workplace flexibility that starts from the leadership level. This includes an innovative policy allowing employees to work overseas for up to three months, which began as a month-long trial in 2022 and was expanded after proving successful.

Essential Energy stood out at fifth place for its unique flexible workplace policies. This includes continuing superannuation contributions during paid parental leave and offering transition-to-retirement support.

Liberty Financial, ranked fourth, was highlighted for its family support and gender equity policies. This includes providing five days of paid fertility leave, 14 weeks of paid maternity leave extendable over 26 weeks, and up to 52 weeks of leave for primary caregivers, with an option to extend for another 52 weeks. Superannuation payments are continued throughout the first year of leave, covering adoption, surrogacy, foster care, and special parental leave.