A new report recently published by Ranstad entitled “Gender Equality in the Workplace” has exposed the widespread issues that women are continuing to experience at work.
It followed a survey of over 6,000 employees from the construction, education, healthcare and technology sectors and looked at their experiences, expectations and concerns with regard to gender inequality at work.
Sadly, but perhaps not unsurprisingly, the survey found that 72% of the women surveyed had witnessed or encountered inappropriate behaviour or comments at work from male colleagues, whilst only 18% of women surveyed said that they had never experienced gender discrimination.
7% of those surveyed felt that they had been passed over for promotion because they were treated less favourably as a result of being female and 1 in 10 reported being offered a less important role because of their gender. The majority of those surveyed also felt that they could not return to work in a senior role on a part time basis after having a baby.
73% of those surveyed also felt that their employer was not doing enough to support women going through the menopause.
With employers continuing to experience serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, the report highlights the need for employers to give more consideration to the needs and wants of the workforce and make appropriate changes to attract prospective staff and improve working conditions for existing employees. For example, 60% of women surveyed cited a lack of work life balance as having a significant impact on their careers. It is widely reported that work life balance is now of greater importance than salary or any other consideration when choosing a new job and so it is clear that this is an area that employers need to carefully consider if any improvements can be made to their own working practices to ensure that they remain competitive in attracting and retaining staff.
The events of the last few years have made us all revaluate about what is important to us – both at work and at home. The pandemic has left many employees feeling that “life is too short” and has led many to prioritise their happiness and mental health over all else. Employers need to take action to better align the needs and expectations of its workforce with the priorities of the business, looking at things like improving work/life balance, helping staff with childcare costs, greater pay transparency, supporting employees through menopause and ensuring there are more female mentors and leaders to act as role models.
For advice and support on gender equality in your workplace, or if you are an employee and feel that you are being treated less favourably because of your gender please contact a member of the Employment team
For advice and support on gender equality in your workplace, or if you are an employee and feel that you are being treated less favourably because of your gender please contact a member of the Employment team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form.