Women in Digital’s Employer of the Year: Evinact’s Path to Excellence
Evinact, previously known as GWI Australia, has firmly established itself as a diversity champion in the professional services sector, earning the prestigious Employer of the Year title at the 2024 Women in Digital Awards. This achievement recognises Evinact’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), alongside its efforts to cultivate a workplace where employees thrive professionally and personally.
Through its innovative programs, people-first culture, and focus on creating impactful change, Evinact demonstrates how fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace can lead to both commercial success and meaningful societal contributions.
A People-First Workplace
At Evinact, employees are seen as the company’s greatest asset. This belief is reflected in their holistic approach to employee well-being, which has been instrumental in their Great Place to Work® certification for three consecutive years. Impressively, their survey results improved from 97% in 2022 to 100% in 2023, with employees highlighting the meaningful work they undertake and the supportive culture as key reasons for their satisfaction.
Evinact’s commitment to flexibility and mental health sets it apart. With 80% of employees now benefiting from flexible working arrangements, as well as access to an Employee Assistance Program, Evinact prioritises balance and resilience in a demanding field. Regular team events, such as the monthly Better Together Day, encourage collaboration and cross-functional connections, fostering a vibrant workplace culture.
Diversity as a Driver of Success
Diversity is not a checkbox at Evinact; it’s a core value. With 43% of their workforce identifying as women and 41% born overseas, Evinact actively reflects the communities they serve. Their commitment to gender diversity is evident in their recruitment process, which ensures a minimum of one female representative in every interview.
Evinact recognises the intrinsic link between diversity and commercial growth. Their team, composed of individuals from various cultural, linguistic, and professional backgrounds, enhances their adaptability and enriches their approach to solving complex business problems. As a result, Evinact has attracted top talent, with an average tenure of 4.97 years – double the industry average.
“We believe that diversity strengthens our teams, enriches our solutions, fosters a sense of belonging, and enhances our ability to make a meaningful difference.” shared Michelle Teis, Managing Partner and 2021 Women in Digital 2021 Data Leader of the Year Winner.
Programs That Make an Impact
Evinact’s leadership development programs and initiatives exemplify their dedication to empowering employees. These include:
- Unconscious Bias Training: Ensures a fair and inclusive workplace.
- Leadership Development Workshops: Supports team members in progressing their careers.
- Study Leave: 10 days per year to pursue professional growth.
“We believe that diversity strengthens our teams, enriches our solutions, and enhances our ability to make a difference,” shared Michelle Teis, Managing Partner and 2021 Women in Digital 2021 Data Leader of the Year Winner.
Advice for Building Inclusive Workplaces
Evinact’s success did not happen overnight. They faced challenges, such as achieving gender balance in leadership roles and navigating recruitment biases. Their approach offers valuable lessons for organisations aspiring to improve DEI:
- Embrace a Human-Centric Hiring Process: Evinact reviews every résumé manually, avoiding reliance on automation that might overlook diverse talent.
- Create a Culture of Belonging: From flexibility to robust mental health support, prioritising employee well-being builds loyalty and satisfaction.
- Lead with Intention: By setting clear DEI KPIs and embedding them into leadership accountability, Evinact ensures diversity remains a strategic priority.
Celebrating the Win
Winning Employer of the Year in 2024 is a testament to Evinact’s dedication to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. This award reflects the collective efforts of the team and serves as a beacon for the industry, showcasing how even without big budgets, meaningful change is possible.
“Our people are the heart of everything we do. This award is not just recognition of our achievements, but a celebration of the incredible team that makes Evinact a truly special place to work,” stated Michelle Teis, Managing Partner.
As Evinact continues to break barriers and lead by example, their journey inspires others to prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just as business imperatives, but as catalysts for a better future.
The WIDAwards is one of Australia’s leading industry awards to celebrate women within the digital industries and diversity champions. Created from the idea that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’, the WIDAwards is designed to champion women in digital and celebrate leaders across fields including software, marketing, innovation, data, UX and more.