Shippit, has announced it has enabled Apple Wallet Order Tracking, which allows shoppers to seamlessly track online orders and receive real-time delivery notifications, securely and privately in Apple Wallet.   

The integration of Apple’s Order Tracking solution will enable thousands of Shippit retailers to provide their customers with simple, secure and convenient delivery updates and order tracking.  

“Retail delivery anxiety is real,” said Inga Latham, Chief Product Officer at Shippit. “The volume of retail purchases that are made online has grown steadily over the last five years, and we expect it to grow exponentially over the next 10-20 years. The integration of Wallet Order Tracking represents an opportunity for us to further reduce pressures on retailers that are fielding a torrent of calls and emails from customers, by proactively alerting consumers with real-time delivery information to their iPhone. Consumers today demand transparency and convenience, and through this integration, we’re continuing our mission to deliver that.”   

“Shippit pioneered the standardisation of delivery notifications in Australia via SMS and email back in 2014 through our trusted tracking solutions,” continued Latham. “But, this integration now allows retailers on our platform to offer peace of mind and build greater trust with their customers through the added security and privacy of Apple Wallet. Everything we do is to reduce friction between retailers, shoppers and carriers to ensure better delivery experiences, and today is an exciting example of that commitment.”  

By simply clicking the ‘Track with Apple Wallet’ button within email notifications from a merchant who has enabled Apple Wallet Order Tracking, shoppers can seamlessly track orders by adding them to Apple Wallet. If they make a purchase using Apple Pay, their order will be automatically added to their Wallet at the point of order confirmation, and they will receive notifications whenever there’s an update about their order status. 

Apple Wallet Order Tracking Benefits include: 

• Ease and convenience: all orders can be viewed in one place, meaning no more scrolling through old tracking emails or even needing to enter a tracking number when using Apple Wallet to track an order. 
• Real-time delivery updates: Tracking orders within Apple Wallet offers shoppers peace of mind by proactively pushing shipment notifications to their iPhone. 
• Privacy of online shopping activity: with Apple Wallet Order Tracking, orders are end-to-end encrypted between the user’s device and the merchant, so Apple cannot see any details about the purchase.  

“Enabling Apple Wallet Order Tracking is a great next step in the evolution of Shippit’s leading delivery platform,” said Mark Teperson, CEO & Managing Director, from Baby Bunting. “When our customers order from us, they not only expect that they will get an amazing product, but it will be in their hands when we promise it to arrive. This is especially true for expecting and new parents – so we’re excited to be able to offer this transparent and easy-to-use tracking solution to our customers.”  

Emily Anders, Head of Digital, from R.M.Williams added: “We are continually looking at ways to innovate and differentiate not only our digital and in-store experience, but the last mile experience too. For our customers, an iconic R.M.Williams boot is a meaningful purchase, and we want a delivery experience that matches that. Through Shippit’s integration of Apple Wallet Order Tracking, we’re now able to provide the convenient, transparent and timely delivery that our customers deserve.”

Since 2021, over $9.4bn worth of e-commerce orders have been fulfilled through Shippit’s platform on behalf of thousands of retailers, including Kmart, Baby Bunting, Harvey Norman, Accent Group, and Temple & Webster. 

For more information about Shippit and Apple Wallet Order Tracking, visit https://www.shippit.com/apple-ordertracking/.  

Epson has launched two new mono WorkForce Pro printers, the single function WorkForce Pro WF-M5399 and multifunction WF-M5899, that use high-capacity ink packs to provide fast and reliable environmentally conscious A4 printing and scanning.

The single function WorkForce Pro WF-M5399 and multifunction WF-M5899 are printers for busy workgroups and thus engineered for reliability. With a recommended monthly page volume of 5,000 pages, these workhorses are the ideal match for today’s business world.

Replacement ink packs let users print up to 40,000 ISO pages¹ without the need to intervene. The 40,000 ink yield does not only improve productivity in the office resulting in less downtime due to ink changes, but the high ink yield also reduces landfill waste over the life of the product. This is a real bonus for any business looking to improve on its corporate social responsibility.

The two new models also help improve productivity with great improvements in single-sided and double-sided scanning speeds and double-sided printing.

Featuring an 1,830-sheet capacity² with three optional trays, a print speed of 25 ISO ppm^† black and no warmup time, the WF-M5399 and WF-M5899 help keep business moving without slowing the office down.

Powered by advanced PrecisionCore Heat Free^® technology, the WF-M5399 and WF-M5899 also offer low power consumption. Plus, there are significant cost savings by using replacement ink packs as opposed to laser toner.

Then the option of three additional paper trays also helps each device print for longer before paper replenishment is required and doubling the durability of the devices over the WF-M5299 and WF-M5799 which it supersedes, gives piece of mind for any business looking for additional cost efficiencies.

A 4.8 second initial page out time also means that there is less waiting for documents, resulting in more time working on what is important to your business.

As with all Epson business inkjet printers, there is no heat produced and no warmup times due to the use of Epson’s patented and award-winning eco-friendly PrecisionCore technology.

The WF-M5399 and WF-M5899 are designed with a very low TCO (total cost of ownership) in mind. By accounting for the cost of the hardware over the life of the product, these efficient new printers are ideal for small workgroups with a large print volume.

A range of software and tools provide secure print options, efficient scanning and help managing devices remotely. Then with their smartphone inspired user interface and touchscreens, printing from mobile devices is also supported with both WF-M5399 and WF-M5899 being particularly intuitive to operate.

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-M5399 and WF-M5899 key features

• Replacement ink packs print up to 40,000 ISO page¹ black

• Recommended monthly page volume of 5,000 pages

• Low power consumption

• 25 ISO ppm black^†; fast first page out

• Epson Open Platform capability for Epson Print Admin — supports PCL⁵ and PostScript® ³™

• Enabled for remote printer data collection — compatible with MPS software solutions from PrintFleet^®, ECI FMAudit^® and more

• Security features — PIN number certification for job release; user control access; printer and network settings via Web Config with printer’s IP address; SSL/TLS security; IPsec

• Designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs*

Availability

The WorkForce Pro WF-M5399 and multifunction WF-M5899 printers available now at www.epson.com.au and via all authorised Epson resellers and partners for an RRP of AUD$550.00 inc. GST and $899.00 inc. GST.

For more on the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-M5399 and multifunction WF-M5899 printers go to: https://www.epson.com.au/products/printers_For_Business/

According to Gartner, organisations must act now to capitalise on positive employee developments next year. Aaron McEwan, VP Research & Advisory, Gartner, shares the top five Australian workplace trends leaders need to know about for 2024.

Australian workplace trends for 2024

1. The end of the wellbeing crisis  

According to Gartner’s Q323 Global Talent Monitor (GTM) survey, overall employee wellness is beginning to stabilise at 29.4 per cent. This indicates that the wellbeing crisis faced by Australian employees is easing.  

“Over the past 12 months, HR teams have played a significant role in supporting mental health in the workplace. These efforts are starting to pay dividends as employees respond to initiatives implemented to enhance their wellbeing,” says McEwan. 

A 2023 Gartner candidate survey shows more than half (56 per cent) believe the experience they have in a role is just as important to their job satisfaction as compensation and benefits.  

With this in mind, McEwan recommends organisations continue to prioritise employee wellbeing and shift towards preventative measures that ensure the ongoing safety and support of workers in 2024.  

2. Embracing Generative AI  

According to a recent Gartner survey, 39 per cent of HR leaders believe their workforces will experience disruption in the next two to five years through the adoption of generative AI as organisations move beyond investigating what is possible with the technology to how they will effectively use it.  

“Accelerated investment cycles in generative AI, combined with pre-existing labour market shifts, have renewed debate on the future workforce in Australia — which jobs and roles are at risk and what to do about it,” says McEwan.  

“Next year, leaders will shift focus towards making work more manageable to augment their workforces rather than replace them. The aim will be to reduce resource-intensive processes, eliminate mundane tasks and reimagine employees’ relationship with their work to make them more productive.” 

In 2024, McEwan recommends leaders understand the value of generative AI — and AI technologies more broadly — to appreciate its use cases and its effects on HR and the entire workforce. 

3. Productive employee monitoring 

The Fair Work Commission’s decision to uphold the dismissal of an employee after technology detected misconduct sparked a fury of interest in the rights of employers and employees where workplace monitoring is concerned. 

Gartner’s 2023 Employee Perspectives on the Future of Work Survey reveals 67 per cent of employees are more than willing to share their data with their employer if it will contribute to better experiences at work.  

“Instead of monitoring employees, leaders should consider how they can use employee data to create a more positive work environment. Gartner research reveals a third of employees would share their personal data if it meant gaining support to find information to complete a task,” says McEwan.  

McEwan also warns leaders must be prepared to address negative employee sentiment that is set to rise in the next 12 months: 

4. Online action from employees will increase 

In an age of radical transparency, the behaviours of Australian employers are under more scrutiny than ever. Collective action from employees, particularly on social media, has escalated significantly.  

“There’s an increase in anti-work trends, including the TikTok hashtag #worktok, where employees describe their annoying co-worker’s habits, question management choices and even livestream resignations,” says McEwan. 

In 2024, organisations should consider how they make moments of connection to address issues before employees feel the need to share them on social media and potentially do serious long-term damage to their reputation and brand. 

5. Focus on performance management  

According to Gartner’s 3Q23 GTM survey, only 23.5 per cent of Australian employees are considered to be highly engaged at work, with a meaningful connection to their job. 

“The Great Resignation is ending, and many employees are choosing to stay with their current employer for financial stability. A certain level of turnover can be healthy for organisations, but without it, workplaces can face the challenge of managing an unmotivated and disengaged workforce,” says McEwan. 

To maintain high levels of discretionary effort in 2024, leaders should prioritise the setting of personal KPIs and objectives to keep individuals and teams motivated.   

Source: Gartner top Australian workplace trends for 2024

New research from Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), the leader in cloud security, suggests that organisations are feeling the pressure to rush into generative AI (GenAI) tool usage, despite significant security concerns. According to its latest survey “All eyes on GenAI-related security”, although 85% of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) organisations consider GenAI tools like ChatGPT to be a potential security risk, 97% are already using them in some guise within their businesses.  
 
Understanding the risk, 70% of ANZ organisations are monitoring the usage of GenAI tools, with the survey revealing ANZ is leading the way in GenAI security with 85% of organisations implementing GenAI-related security measures. Globally, over two-thirds (66%) of organisations have implemented security measures with an additional 31% planning on adding measures to protect critical data. 

“GenAI tools, like ChatGPT, offer ANZ businesses the opportunity to improve efficiencies, innovation and the speed in which teams can work but we can’t ignore the potential security risk of some tools, especially in light of the recently announced 2023 – 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy,” said Heng Mok, Chief Information Security Officer, Asia Pacific and Japan at Zscaler. “In accordance with cybershield #2 on promoting the safe use of emerging technology such as GenAI, it is very encouraging to see that IT teams in ANZ are already cognizant of the risks and are monitoring usage and implementing security measures to ensure their data and customers data is secure.”  

The rollout pressure for AI tools isn’t coming from where people might think, however, with the results suggesting that IT has the ability to regain control of the situation. Despite mainstream awareness, it is not employees who appear to be the driving force behind current interest and usage – only 12% of ANZ respondents said it stemmed from employees. Instead, 51% said usage was being driven by the IT teams directly.  

“IT teams leading the charge when it comes to GenAI should be reassuring to ANZ business leaders,” Heng Mok added. “It demonstrates ANZ organisations are using AI tools with security considerations being top of mind, with the fast-paced nature of GenAI it is essential that businesses continue to prioritise educating employees and implementing security measures in response to rapidly changing technologies while enabling the business.”  

With 45% of ANZ respondents anticipating a significant increase in the interest of GenAI tools before the end of the year, organisations that have not implemented security measures need to act quickly to bolster the gap between use and security. 

Steps business leaders can take to ensure GenAI-related security use in their organisation :  

• Develop an acceptable use policy on GenAI 
• Implement a holistic zero trust architecture to authorise only approved AI applications and users. 
• Conduct thorough security risk assessments for new AI applications to clearly understand and respond to vulnerabilities. 
• Establish a comprehensive logging system for tracking all AI prompts and responses. 
• Enable zero trust-powered Data Loss Prevention (DLP) measures for all AI activities to safeguard against data exfiltration. 

Not-for-profit organisation EACH, has been selected as a CommBank Next Chapter Innovation Partner, in a bid to tackle financial abuse within Australian small businesses.

Financial abuse in small business is a serious form of family violence and is one of the most powerful ways an abuser can keep a partner or family member trapped in an abusive relationship. However, this form of family violence continues to fly under the radar.

Victims of financial abuse in small business are often turned away for support, with a severe lack of pathways for resolution. Consumer protections, tax, and corporate legislation do not recognise financial violence, and community legal centres rarely take on business issues.

Common lived experiences of financial abuse in small business includes:

• Being made a director of a company without consent, with liability to ASIC and ATO.
• Signed as personal guarantor to business loans.
• Forced to take out credit cards or loans in their personal name for business use.
• Personal Tax File Number used by others to withdraw funds from the business.
• Assets illegally stripped or transferred from a business into another entity or to the perpetrator.
• Having a business sabotaged, account emails and passwords changed so they are not able to access the tools needed to run their business.
• Made to work in a family business for little to no renumeration.

The impacts are complex, costly, and isolating. The onus is on the victim survivors of financial abuse to prove their innocence at their own cost. Resolution can also take years – some cases have needed more than 40 organisations to resolve the abuse. 

EACH is the only organisation in the country that offers specialist small business financial counselling, dealing with thousands of cases within this sector.

To address this growing issue, EACH is developing a national, specialised program that will provide support for victims experiencing financial abuse in the context of small business. Working with banks, ASIC, ATO and legal centres, they will seek to resolve complex financial impacts of financial abuse – creating pathways to resolution that are currently not available. With $100,000 funding and mentorship from CommBank, EACH will develop a scoping report to initiate the process.

Click on the file to download the Finacial abuse fact sheet.

Australian businesses are looking at an interesting but potentially volatile 2024. A slew of advanced technology is set to transform many sectors, with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) continuing its disruption. We look at six SMB tech trends that will be particularly significant.

Australia’s small and medium businesses (SMBs) have had a challenging past twelve months, but there may be more pain to come. The International Monetary Fund forecasts slowing growth in Australia, with risks from high inflation, global uncertainty and climate-related shocks.

To navigate these choppy waters, Australian businesses will need to keep an eye on emerging technologies and try to stay ahead of the curve.

The following six SMB tech trends will be particularly significant:

1. Transparent, tech-driven supply chains

A robust, agile supply chain is critical for business success. Advanced ERP solutions based on AI and blockchain will help make complex networks much more transparent and resilient.

Many SMBs still work off inadequate systems, such as ancient legacy systems or spreadsheets. They don’t have stock visibility and can’t guarantee fulfilment – a serious business risk in volatile times.

Those who invest in technology that gives them transparency and real-time data will best position themselves to survive future volatility and take advantage of opportunities in 2024.

2. Composable capabilities in the Cloud

The cloud isn’t just a data haven, it’s the crucible where modern business strategies are forged. As trust in cloud technology grows, SMBs can leap towards streamlined operations and data-driven decisions.

Gartner sees industry cloud platforms addressing industry-relevant outcomes by combining software, platform and infrastructure-as-a-service with composable capabilities. This composability will give businesses the adaptability and agility to respond to disruption.

3. Precise data drives better decisions

The world is inundated with data. Collecting it is easy, but storing, sorting and processing it remains challenging. Precision is needed for data to be useful, with real-time analytics and insightful data processing.

Cloud-based solutions are ideal for SMBs to manage it, providing data privacy compliance, higher security, and centralising information so it’s accessible and can be used to generate valuable insights. This ensures every decision made is not just timely but astute.

4. Getting a crystal clear grip on cashflow

Clarity over costs and financial forecasting remains a major headache for many SMBs. Research shows that managing cashflow is a top priority for 85 percent of small business owners. But to reach the next stage of growth, they need certainty and complete transparency in their operations.

2024 will see a surge in SMBs adopting ERP software that takes a much more holistic approach than a basic accounting package. Having real-time clarity around their financial position with accurate future projections will make it much easier to undergo digital transformation, plan expansion into new markets and access external investment.

5. Warehouses get mobile and agile

Mobility is not a luxury but the lifeblood of modern warehousing and inventory operations. Warehouses play a critical role in supply chain, bridging the gap between production and distribution. They’re essential to providing a good customer service.

To ensure a seamless supply chain, warehouses need to be as efficient and agile as possible while also keeping a cap on costs. The way to do this is with mobile tools, where key operational tasks can be executed with a tap, swipe, and scroll. Real-time data is critical in a sector with increasing automation and robotics.

6. GenAI unlocks a wave of innovation

GenAI was the standout tech trend of 2023, with tools such as ChatGPT and Dall-E making advanced AI available to everyone, from businesses to individuals. As its potential unfolds, it’s poised to become the creative catalyst in the business arena.

For SMBs, this means a universe where data doesn’t just inform but inspires, leading to innovative product designs, optimised operational models and personalised customer experiences.

A capability previously only accessible to the big end of town is now in the hands of the smallest startup. As Gartner observes: “business users will have ubiquitous access to knowledge and technical skills that wasn’t possible before, heralding a new wave of productivity.”

In 2024, you should follow the SMB tech trends; successful Australian SMBs will not just ride the tech tide but be the tide. There is so much exciting potential out there, and businesses equipped with the right tools and technology will be able to take advantage. GenAI, analytics, smart cloud solutions and mobility will take us into a realm of continuous innovation and creativity.

Contributed by Charlie Wood, CEO, Wiise

 Appliances Online, Australia’s largest online appliance retailer has today announced a partnership with Greener for Business, The partnership provides members with access to a curated range of Appliances Online’s most energy efficient appliances and electric alternatives, helping small and medium businesses to upgrade to appliances, which help reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, making it better  for the planet. 

Through Appliances Online Commercial Division, Greener for Business members get access to commercial prices across key categories and also electric product suggestions for water heating, cooktops and heating in a partnership that aims to help businesses reduce cost and emissions. Appliances Online has identified the top 20% most energy efficient products based on energy star rating across its range of refrigeration, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.

James Bartlett, General Manager, Appliances Online, said“Appliances are present in just about every business in the country and they are the backbone of how these businesses operate. We are very proud to partner with Greener for Business to help Australian business owners reduce emissions and their energy costs in the long term; and take the hassle out of upgrading their appliances by offering them our legendary service, so they can really focus on what they do best, which is running their business and serving their customers”.

With energy being one of the largest operating costs for many of Australia’s 2.5M small and medium businesses, improving appliance efficiency presents a massive opportunity to help businesses significantly reduce overheads through lower energy consumption, and consequently deliver sizable environmental benefits through greenhouse gas emission reductions. 

“For many small businesses, like the 26,800+ hair and beauty salons Australia-wide, who often have washers, dryers and other appliances running all day, 6 or even 7 days a week, the costs can really add up,” said Sandy Chong, CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council. “Not to mention when appliances break down, it can cost these businesses thousands in unplanned out of pocket expenses to replace or repair them. Having access to Appliances Online’s special commercial rates and next day installation on more efficient products via Greener for Business helps solve this pain point for businesses, but also helps cut down on their ongoing energy usage and bills”.

Alice Kuepper, Head of Sustainable Business and CSR Winning Group explains “Sustainability is a core part of Appliances Online’s legendary service; and we’re excited to build on our commitment to a sustainable future, which already includes free removal and recycling of old appliances, mattresses and product packaging. Our partnership with Greener for Business means it’s now even easier for businesses to become more energy efficient, and help future proof their business for electrification and the renewable energy transition”.

 
“Small businesses don’t have time or money to burn, and swapping out old appliances can be a real headache. How do you know which to choose? How do you install it? What do you do with the old one?”, said Tom Ferrier, Founder of Greener,  “That’s why we’re working with Appliances Online to bring real solutions to the table – free delivery, free installation, free removal and recycling of old appliances, and  and providing easy access to their most efficient appliances and electric alternatives, at commercial prices – to make upgrading better for the bottom line for SMBs.” 

To access Appliances Online commercial benefits, and get more simple step-by-step advice to unlock additional savings and further reduce emissions, businesses can sign up for free via Greener for Business. 

While Christmas and summer holidays can be a boon for some industries, especially those in the retail, hospitality, and F&B sectors, it can also be a lean period for others, with slower sales causing angst among business owners. We look at the top tips for improving cash flow.

Even the most well-prepared business can face a reduction in income with regular consumer segments out of the office, or at the very least, out of their regular routine.

Those businesses expecting a sales boost over summer can also be caught out in the face of increased trading costs such as staffing and supplier payments with insufficient cash flow to be able to meet peak season demand.

A slow or slower summer can be the reason a business shuts it doors permanently and most business owners will be doing their best to avoid becoming another business exit statistic. The ABS reported that in the 12 months to June 2023, 386,000 businesses stopped trading, with the largest number of those occurring in the retail, administration, and wholesale trader sectors.[i]

“SMEs forecasting a slower summer are applying for finance facilities to boost their bottom line and bridge a one to two-month income gap,” said Moneytech Head of Small Business, Reece Ketu. “On the other side, we also have businesses that have an increased demand for their products or services over this time and need to be prepared to ensure the availability of necessary resources, such as inventory, raw materials, and skilled labour, to scale operations as required. Smaller SMEs are much more likely to seek finance to maintain cash flow[ii] and this can be done with a variety of finance facilities including a Line of Credit to boost cash flow quickly.”

A line of credit finance facility is a set amount of funding which can be used by the business to pay for stock, bills, or sub-contractors. The funding limits and interest rates offered to clients are determined by a number of factors Including a business’s years in operations, the strength of their credit file and or the strength of their balance sheet and company assets.

“The line of credit platform allows for business to make ongoing payments both locally or overseas covering key business requirements including paying subcontractors and paying supplier invoices which can boost cash flow over a difficult period and position a business for greater success in the new year,” said Ketu.

Demonstrating that finance facilities such as a line of credit are not only sought by relatively new businesses or those facing short-term cash flow interruptions, Moneytech recently completed a Line of Credit facility solution for a 25-year veteran of the catering industry. The company needed working capital to operate the busine sand clear some key trade supplier accounts.

“The customer had several trade accounts with a number of different suppliers and wanted to consolidate terms to give them greater flexibility,” said Ketu. “A $250,000 Line of Credit facility from Moneytech consolidated their key supplier accounts, allowing them to boost orders and smoothen their cash flow over busy periods.”

Proactively managing cash flow enables businesses to predict forthcoming financial requirements, preparing for periods marked by past challenges, or seasonal fluctuations. Below, Moneytech shares their top tips for improving cash flow this summer.

Top tips for improving cash flow

1. Incentivise early invoice payment: Encourage payment of outstanding invoices by incentivising early payment. If your payment terms stipulate a net 30-day period, consider offering a modest discount to customers to settle within a shorter timeframe.
2. Streamline Accounts Payable: Efficiently managing your accounts payable system is crucial for enhancing your company’s cash flow.  Prioritise essential invoices ensuring that unpaid bills don’t go unnoticed.
3. Outsource Select Business Functions: Identify areas where outsourcing may be more cost-effective. Functions like IT, human resources, accounting, payroll, and marketing can be outsourced to specialised firms which can save money and provide staffing flexibility.
4. Renegotiate Service Contracts: Review internet, telephone, photocopier, software, and cleaning/building maintenance contracts to find cost-saving opportunities.
5. Maintaining a Rolling Cash Forecast: Implementing a rolling cash forecast is a valuable practice for enhancing overall cash flow. This forecast should include estimated inflows, such as customer payments, and outflows, including vendor payments and payroll. Update this data on a weekly basis at the very least.

Importantly, Ketu highlights that Moneytech’s finance facilities are assessed and decisioned based on the strength of the business and are not secured against personal assets. “If the business fails, personal assets are not at-risk giving business owners greater peace of mind,” said Ketu.

To learn more about finance facilities to assist and grow your business, visit www.moneytech.com.au.

A group of women engineers at Hatch is actively working towards bridging the gap between myths and truths about the profession in an effort to improve the representation of women in the industry. 

Daphne Wong and Bethany Smith are engineers at Hatch, a multidisciplinary leader in engineering, project management, and professional services with projects in the metals, energy and infrastructure industries. Hatch is committed to supporting female engineers through its diversity and inclusion programs. Daphne is a Process Engineer specialising in Hydrometallurgy and Bethany a Senior Mechanical Engineer. Thea Kurniawan, a fellow engineer that was previously from Hatch, is currently practicing her career as a Technology Lead in Tunas Resin a Polymer Chemical Manufacturer in Indonesia.  

A new study developed by the engineering trio and titled ‘Debunking Myths of Women in Engineering’ found that 54 per cent of adults believe the engineering field is male dominated and 22 per cent hold reservations about it being female friendly. Among students aged 16-18, 62.5 per cent are enrolled in at least one STEM subject in high school, however, the motivation for them was to meet university prerequisites and enhance high school grades, rather than a pure genuine interest.   

The trio have proposed pathways to improving the general public perception around women engineers by debunking misconceptions around female careers in the industry.

Daphne says: “Contrary to common misconceptions, engineering is a dynamic and versatile profession. It does not confine professionals to physical locations, with many engineering tasks taking place in offices or from the comfort of one’s home. The image of engineers in hard hats and steel-capped boots is outdated, as engineers work on a wide range of design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance tasks across various industries.

“Furthermore, engineers do not need to be math geniuses to excel in their roles. Some engineering positions are highly technical, while others are more project management-oriented, requiring varying levels of mathematical involvement.”

Bethany says: “It can be easy to forget that engineers develop products used by the masses, which means that beyond considerations of equity, diversity in engineering offers a multitude of benefits for enhanced productivity, innovation and fresh perspectives that lead to better products for everybody.”

There are more engineering specialisations now than ever before. The digital revolution saw the definition of engineering branching out, with contemporary infrastructure like software, hardware, data and business processes often managed by engineers.^[1]

Engineering skills are highly versatile and transferable. The professional, scientific and technical services (PSTS) industry, for example, employs almost one-quarter (23%) of all working STEM graduates, while the education and training industry employs the second largest percentage (10%) of STEM graduates.^[2] 

Daphne says, “The key message is that each one of us, regardless of gender, can play a role in reshaping the perception of engineering. This shift will not only benefit women but also foster innovation and productivity in the field.”

Daphne and Bethany have had the opportunity to attend international conferences, enhancing their visibility and actively engaging in initiatives to improve the landscape for women in engineering. Hatch also takes part in university and high school engagement programs, such as the Girls Engineering Tomorrow events. On International Women’s Day, Hatch celebrates by organising an in-house panel session for women engineers, sponsoring applications for industry mentorship programs, such as WIMWA (Women in Mining WA), as well as the AusIMM. Their colleague and industry peer, Helen Adamson, a Process Engineer, Hatch Associate, and Office Lead of Hatch’s Perth office, spoke at the AusIMM’s International Women’s Day event series this year.

Proudly, Hatch was this year named one of Australia’s Top Graduate Employers by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers for the sixth consecutive year for its ‘graduate first’ approach to internal development.   

Daphne shared her view on the mission of reshaping perceptions: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between myths and truths about women in engineering, making the field more inclusive. As a final challenge, we invite engineers to share their stories, and non-engineers to seek out these narratives. The International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) offers a toolbox for sharing experiences, allowing all of us to be part of the narrative reshaping, creating a more diverse and equitable future for engineering.”

The journeys of Daphne, Bethany and Thea are an inspiration to aspiring female engineers and demonstrate what can be achieved when breaking down gender barriers and promoting inclusivity within the engineering industry.

Daphne, a disciplined and driven process engineer, has created a niche for herself in the lithium mining industry. Her career is driven by an interest in fostering diversity and gender equality in the workplace. Bethany, a highly accomplished mechanical engineer, has made a significant impact in the field, with a wealth of experience in design, project engineering, hydraulic design, and contributions to option/value-improvement studies and research and development work. She is also a mentor for aspiring female engineers. Outside of work, Thea enjoys researching the latest innovations in polymer chemistry, and managing TEDxUWA, one of Australia’s first and only fully youth-operated TEDx organisations based at the University of Western Australia.