In October 2024, PPMI (part of the Verian Group) was contracted by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) to update the existing EU-wide guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification systems. This initiative falls within the scope of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which empowers the European Commission to enhance Union guidelines in collaboration with EIGE.
Gender-neutral job evaluation and classification systems aim to provide an unbiased framework for assessing and categorising job roles, ensuring that roles are valued fairly, regardless of who holds them. The updated guidelines will help employers create equitable pay structures and equal opportunities for everyone.
What is the goal?
By updating the existing guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation, the project seeks to assist employers in dismantling systemic gender biases that have resulted in the undervaluation of jobs predominantly held by women. Ultimately, the project aims to increase the use of gender-neutral job evaluation and, in this way, contribute to the promotion of pay transparency and address gender-based pay gaps across EU Member States.
A practical toolkit for employers
Over the next 13 months, PPMI will create a comprehensive toolkit to guide employers through every step of implementing gender-neutral job evaluation systems. This easy-to-use resource will include:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions for designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on gender-neutral job evaluation.
- A variety of tools and methodologies to suit different organisational needs, including those of small and medium-sizes enterprises (SMEs).
- A case study showcasing practical application at the company level.
The toolkit will integrate the best available practices, examples and guidance from across the EU and beyond to ensure its relevance and usability.
Engaging stakeholders
To ensure the toolkit is effective, PPMI and EIGE will engage stakeholders at the EU and national levels through interviews and testing sessions. The testing will involve online sessions to gather feedback from institutions, social partners and companies on the toolkit's content.
Finally, the project will include an EU-level review of the Staff Regulations for EU officials, offering recommendations to align them with good practices in gender-neutral job evaluation and classification.
If you are interested in gender-neutral job evaluations and want to know more about this project, you can reach out to the team at gender-neutral-job-eval@ppmi.lt.
