Framework
The eight-dimensional structure used by WWEC to understand women-centred workplace excellence. The dimensions are connected: a result in one dimension may be influenced by leadership, governance, culture, systems and employee experience across several.
Trademark WWEC Workplace Excellence Architecture™ is a protected mark of the council. Use of any mark requires an active licence or written permission. Trademark & brand usage.
Framework principle
The framework does not isolate women's experience from the leadership, governance, culture, systems and everyday practices that shape it.
Dimension 01
Safety, Dignity & Freedom from Harm
A workplace where people can work without fear, harassment, humiliation, discrimination or retaliation.
Core question
Can people work, speak and raise concerns without fear?
Assessment focus
Respectful workplace behaviour; prevention and response to harassment; safe reporting; retaliation protection; dignity; fair handling of concerns.
Connected dimensions
A result in one dimension is shaped by leadership, governance, culture, systems and everyday employee experience across several others.
The eight dimensions
Select a dimension to open its core question and assessment focus.
Core question
Can people work, speak and raise concerns without fear?
Assessment focus
Respectful workplace behaviour; prevention and response to harassment; safe reporting; retaliation protection; dignity; fair handling of concerns.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Do people experience fairness, belonging and meaningful access to opportunity?
Assessment focus
Fair recruitment; inclusive practices; equitable participation; respect for different perspectives; career access; inclusive decision-making.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Can women realistically progress, influence decisions and reach positions of leadership?
Assessment focus
Leadership pipeline; sponsorship; mentoring; visibility; high-impact opportunities; leadership development; succession; progression; accountability.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Does the workplace support sustainable performance and real-life responsibilities?
Assessment focus
Workload sustainability; flexible work; caregiving support; wellbeing resources; burnout prevention; manager support; life-stage support.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Can employees see and access realistic opportunities to grow?
Assessment focus
Learning access; career conversations; mentoring; skills development; internal mobility; feedback and performance development.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Are workplace commitments governed, implemented and reviewed?
Assessment focus
Policy architecture; ownership; communication; training; implementation controls; monitoring; review; management accountability.
View assessment criteriaCore question
When employees speak, does the organisation listen, respond and demonstrate action?
Assessment focus
Feedback channels; listening systems; surveys; speak-up culture; response to feedback; experience measurement; action tracking.
View assessment criteriaCore question
Can the organisation demonstrate measurable progress and sustained improvement?
Assessment focus
Measurement; targets; improvement plans; corrective action; progress reporting; continuous review; sustainability.
View assessment criteriaArchitecture clarification
The WWEC Workplace Excellence Architecture™ provides the structural layer of the WWEC Workplace Excellence System™. It defines the dimensions used to organise measurement, employee experience, evidence, assessment and reporting.
The Architecture is not a separate certification stage. It is the shared structure applied consistently across the Index, assessment and certification activity.
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Start with the WWEC Workplace Excellence Index™, explore the WWEC Women-Centred Workplace™ Certification or speak with the WWEC team about your workplace excellence journey.
