The Gender Pay Gap Information Act was signed into Irish law in 2021 and began having practical effect in 2022 for employers with more than 250 employees. In 2024 this advanced to employers with more than 150 employees, and in 2025 this will apply to employers with more than 50 employees.
This reporting goes beyond compliance; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Back To Work Connect, a career hub focused on midlife workers, Returners, and career changers, along with its Returner Friendly badge, offers significant value to organisations addressing the gender pay gap.
The Gender Pay Gap Challenge
The gender pay gap highlights systemic inequalities in pay between men and women, often caused by occupational segregation, disparities in seniority levels, and unequal access to opportunities. A key issue contributing to the gap is the underrepresentation of women in higher-paying roles and industries—particularly women returning to work after a career break.
How Back To Work Connect Can Help?
Back To Work Connect is designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, especially for midlife workers and Returners. Our mission aligns with the goals of reducing gender inequality in the workplace, making us an ideal partner for organisations tackling their gender pay gap.
Here’s how:
1. Access to Skilled Talent
Women returning to the workforce often possess a wealth of experience and transferable skills. Back To Work Connect helps organizations tap into this underutilized talent pool, ensuring diverse hiring practices.
2. Upskilling Opportunities
Through our connection with education and training providers, Returners are prepared to re-enter the workforce confidently and competently. Organisations can leverage our platform to connect with candidates who are job-ready and eager to contribute.
3. Highlighting DEI Commitments
Partnering with Back To Work Connect and earning the Returner Friendly badge signals your organisation’s commitment to supporting diverse talent. This not only enhances your reputation but also provides a practical step toward reducing gender pay disparities.
4. Enhancing Representation
Encouraging and supporting Returners, especially women, to re-enter leadership roles can directly impact the gender pay gap. Back To Work Connect’s network provides access to candidates prepared to excel in managerial and senior positions.
The Returner Friendly Badge
The Returner Friendly badge is a visible acknowledgment of an organisation’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for Returners. By displaying this badge, companies:
Demonstrate alignment with best practices in DEI.
Build trust with potential employees and stakeholders.
Establish themselves as a preferred employer for diverse talent.
Integrating with Gender Pay Gap Reporting
When preparing your Gender Pay Gap report, collaboration with Back To Work Connect and the adoption of the Returner Friendly badge can:
- Showcase Initiatives: Highlight the steps your organisation is taking to address inequalities.
- Provide Data: Share the impact of your returner hiring programs on representation and pay equity.
- Strengthen Narrative: Position your company as a leader in tackling systemic barriers and empowering underrepresented groups.
Reducing the gender pay gap is both a moral and business imperative. Back To Work Connect and the Returner Friendly badge offer practical, impactful solutions to support your efforts. By partnering with us, your organisation can create meaningful change, comply with reporting requirements, and build a stronger, more equitable workforce.
For more information or to join the movement, contact Back To Work Connect today at info@backtoworkconnect.ie
