THOSE WHO BELIVE IN BUSINESS,
BELIEVE IN GENDER EQUALITY
On March 16, 2022, UNI Practice of Reference 125:2022 was published, introducing the Gender Equality Management System and its certification as a formal recognition of virtuous business behavior. Professionals offering integrated support are called upon to develop specific expertise in the field to guide companies through the certification process.
The term “inclusion” is synonymous with success in the eyes of customers and business stakeholders. According to the 2022 Diversity Brand Index, 77.5% of the population is more inclined to support brands that operate inclusively — meaning companies that respect and value everyone’s ideas and contributions. At the same time, there is significant evidence of a positive correlation between the presence of women in decision-making roles and business performance, likely linked to a leadership style that is more inclusive and innovation-oriented.
Despite the not-so-encouraging data on gender equality in Italy, there is good news: the publication of UNI/PdR 125:2022, which introduces the Gender Equality Management System and its related certification. Based on a fundamental principle shared with other management system standards (such as ISO 9001:2015), which states “you can’t improve what you can’t measure,” the Practice calls on companies to deal with a series of indicators that measure the application of policies for gender equality.
Organizations (of any type and size) that intend to certify themselves based on the aforementioned Practice must therefore undertake a path of awareness that must lead them first of all to fill any gaps that exist between genders, but above all to a change that has an impact and involves the entire company system, in a lasting and sustainable way.
The gender equality certification path is strongly supported through measures that cover the costs of the first year of certification, including INPS contribution relief as outlined in Article 5 of Law 162/2021. This offers a 1% reduction in social security contributions, up to a maximum of €50,000 annually, for private employers who obtain gender equality certification.
Moreover, a company certified under the Gender Equality framework receives additional ranking points for tenders and public procurements, also benefiting in some cases from a 30% reduction in the bid bond required for participation in the tender.
A particularly meaningful aspect is that organizations wishing to be accredited for this type of certification must first demonstrate that they have implemented a Gender Equality Management System themselves — essentially requiring assessors to practice what they preach.
Starting from this consideration, the Practice becomes a valuable opportunity for reflection and self-assessment for professionals and organizations offering integrated support to businesses. In this spirit, Braganò & Partners — active in HR outsourcing, corporate welfare, labor consulting, and legal employment assistance — has decided to pursue gender equality certification.
To provide comprehensive support to our clients, we have recently added Management Systems Certification Consulting to our services, starting with quality systems. The publication of UNI 125 prompted us to reassess our own system and measure our inclusive vision. Our internal HR policies are based on voluntary best practices that we have made core to our values. Notably, the strong presence of women in strategic positions at our firm has further reinforced our commitment to inclusion, equal pay, and welfare.
“Based on these premises — and more — we have decided to pursue UNI PdR certification. We believe that thinking in terms of Diversity & Inclusion Inclusion must come from the awareness that business becomes stronger in this context and generates value on its own,” stated Managing Partner Paolo Braganò. “Building on this credibility, we aim to support our clients in enhancing their gender policies, advising them on how best to approach the certification process, and motivating them by clearly presenting all related benefits.”
Today, Braganò & Partners assists its clients in developing gender equality policies, helping them grow their businesses with an innovative vision of equality. It is an investment in a more sustainable future, one that reduces the gender gap and increases awareness of inclusion as a new driver of reputation, trust, loyalty, and Net Promoter Score.
