Emma Walsh

Parents At Work Founder and CEO Emma Walsh is recognised globally as a pioneer in the development and implementation of inclusive workplace policy.

Emma has been a clear voice on the social, economic and business benefits of inclusive workplaces, advocating for the widespread implementation family-inclusive workplace policies and practices to improve gender equality, child and work-life wellbeing outcomes.

As the CEO of Parents At Work, Emma helps employers navigate the changing expectations of business to address barriers to an inclusive workplace, and to bridge the evolving
work/home divide, providing the framework, tools and training to help workplaces and families build a better future together.

In 2021, Emma was instrumental in developing a set of National Work + Family Standards providing employers with a benchmark to foster a family friendly culture. She led the charge in launching the Family Friendly Workplaces Certification program to recognise employers who meet the Standards.

Emma has been formally recognised by the Australian Human Rights Commission with a finalist business Award in 2015, has been shortlisted for the Telstra Business Woman of the Year and was a Winner of the Visa Business Awards. Parents At Work has also been named as a top 200 ‘Businesses of Tomorrow’ by Westpac.

Emma herself is a mum of three – twin boys and a daughter. She is an author, international speaker, advocate and campaigner for improving parental leave rights for families.

More About Emma

Emma is a sought-after commentator on the intersection of work and family, who is able to convey complexity of this topic in simple terms, driven by data, and practical experience.

She is often quoted on issues related family and carer-inclusive workplace policies and practices; gender equality in the workplace; the economic and social importance of enhanced and universal paid parental leave; and the critical role of fathers.

Emma regularly presents at events, forums and conferences across Australia and internationally on these topics and has appeared in numerous publications and broadcasts including ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9, The Australian, Australian Financial Review, and contributes to specialist publications such as Women’s Agenda, HRD, HR Leader.

What Emma Speaks About

• Gender and Family-inclusive workplace policy and practices
• Family and carer-inclusive workplace policies and practices
• Gender equality in the workplace
• The economic and social importance of enhanced and universal paid parental leave
• The critical role of fathers