The architecture industry has a long-track record of being male-dominated and not diversity- and gender-friendly environments. While women comprise 31% of the profession, only 20% are principals and partners, the American Institute of Architects notes.
Sydney-based Woods Bagot recently created a global whistleblower hotline to allow employees to anonymously report workplace misconduct, says Andrew Kalinowski, head of people and culture.
"Employees will only come forward when they see in practice the policies applied without fear, favor, or retribution," Kalinowski says. "And while this is easy to say, it means implementing them discreetly, respectfully, and swiftly whenever any allegation is made..."
Woods Bagot reports that 47% of its workers are women. "The post-Weinstein #MeToo campaign has certainly re-ignited the conversation around sexual harassment and gender equity, and that is a good thing," Kalinowski says. "Raised awareness can never be a bad outcome."