Ahead of International Women’s Day, a survey reveals insights into gender equality and its impact on company growth.
- 38% of professionals identify gender bias as a major barrier to women’s inclusion in the workplace.
- Inflexible work arrangements contribute to women’s exclusion, as cited by 26% of respondents.
- 44% believe gender equality drives inclusive company growth, enhancing employee retention and resilience.
- The survey underscores the need for diverse, supportive workplace environments to foster growth.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, a comprehensive survey conducted by Hays—renowned for its expertise in workforce solutions—shed light on crucial barriers and benefits associated with gender equality in the workplace. More than 4,500 participants were involved, revealing significant insights into the obstacles faced by women aiming for workplace inclusion.
The survey highlighted that 38% of the respondents see gender bias and discrimination as formidable barriers, hindering women’s ability to integrate and thrive professionally. This indicates a persistent challenge that many organisations need to address to foster a truly inclusive workplace.
Further, 26% of the participants cited inflexible work arrangements as a hindrance to women’s integration, underscoring the critical need for adaptable and supportive working conditions for all employees.
Intriguingly, 44% of the surveyed professionals acknowledged that achieving gender balance acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth within companies. These respondents also noted enhancements in employee retention and business resilience when gender equality is prioritised.
Bianca Stringuini, Global Head of DE&I at Hays, emphasised that these findings illustrate the double-edged nature of gender equity discussions—highlighting both the systemic barriers women face and the significant organisational benefits of overcoming them. She pointed out instances of ‘tightrope bias’ and ‘maternal bias’ as examples of subtle yet pervasive prejudices that persist within the corporate environment.
The survey reveals the growing recognition of gender equality as an essential business strategy, not merely as a moral imperative but as a driver of financial growth and stability. Creating an environment where diversity can thrive is seen as key to attracting varied talent and fostering innovation.
Stringuini also noted the progress made globally, with organisations setting targets for female leadership representation. At Hays, 44.3% of top leaders are women, marking a significant stride towards the firm’s goal of achieving 50% representation by 2030.
The commentary reflects a broader understanding that diversity of thought, stemming from a diverse workforce, can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and profitability, reinforcing the survey’s findings.
The survey confirms that prioritising gender equality in the workplace not only addresses ethical concerns but also enhances business performance.
