The Kids recognised for leadership in flexible work arrangements

The Kids Research Institute Australia has been awarded its first Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Cygnet Award, recognising its progress in embedding flexible work practices that support equity and inclusion. 

The award recognises the Institute’s work to strengthen flexible work arrangements, evolving from largely informal, manager-led approaches to a structured, organisation-wide framework – work that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued well beyond it.

The Kids Executive Director, Professor Jonathan Carapetis, said the recognition reflects a real commitment to ensure flexibility is supported consistently and meaningfully across the Institute.

“Flexible work is not just about where people work – it’s about creating an environment where our people can thrive while balancing the realities of life outside work,” Professor Carapetis said.

“As a medical research institute, we know that attracting and retaining talented people depends on building a workplace that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to different needs and experiences.”

Satisfaction with workplace flexibility has increased steadily, reaching 90 per cent in the Institute’s 2025 engagement survey. And The Kids now performs above the national benchmark for Australian Medical Research Institutes in flexible work support.  

Staff and students consistently identified that flexible work is key to their wellbeing, productivity and ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Parents and carers, as well as employees with disability and chronic health conditions said flexibility as essential to sustaining their participation and success at work.

While progress has been significant, The Kids is continuing to seek opportunities to create more consistent access to flexible work, especially for staff in laboratory, community and clinic-based roles, where flexibility can be harder to achieve than in desk-based positions.

Professor Carapetis said the Institute remains focused on continuous improvement. 

“We know there is still more work to do, particularly in ensuring equitable access across different types of roles and experiences,” Professor Carapetis said. 

“This award recognises important progress, but it also reinforces our commitment to listening to staff and continuing to build a workplace where everyone feels supported to contribute and succeed.” 

The SAGE Cygnet Award recognises measurable impact in advancing gender equity and inclusion, building on The Kids’ Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2020.

SAGE CEO, Dr Janin Bredehoeft congratulated The Kids on its work to date.

"Flexible work is one of those areas where the gap between policy and practice can be enormous. The Kids has invested years in closing that gap and the data shows it's making a difference, particularly for women and carers," Dr Bredehoeft said.

For more on The Kids’ latest Cygnet Award, visit Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).