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‘Uncomfortable Truth’- Workplace Culture Remains Hostile for Women
Context:
A recent report, Deloitte’s 2024 global Women@Work survey, highlights that the post-Covid bounce-back in business globally has failed to address the lack of progress in improving workplace conditions for women.
More in the News:
- The report discusses the term “uncomfortable truth“ regarding stagnating progress both inside and outside the workplace.
- The transition to full-time work has presented challenging adjustments for women.
- Covering 5,000 women across 10 countries, including India, the survey suggests that this issue is widespread.
- The root cause seems to be hostile workplace environments, which hinder women’s progress both internally and externally.
About Deloitte’s Women @ Work: A Global Outlook:
- Deloitte’s annual report has highlighted challenges for women in the workplace.
- 2021-2022: Focused on COVID-19’s impact, hybrid working, exclusion, and burnout.
- In 2023, with a slight decrease in challenges, but issues like work/life balance and women’s health persisted.
Key Highlights of the Recent Reports:
- Nearly half of surveyed women reported increased stress levels, with about 40% receiving mental health support from employers, a figure unchanged over three years.
- Only a third of women felt comfortable discussing mental health with employers, down from 43% in 2022.
- Between 40% and 50% of women bore the disproportionate burden of household responsibilities.
- 95% of women believe flexible work arrangements negatively affect career progression, suggesting hostile corporate cultures.
- Roughly a third of women felt excluded from decision-making due to hybrid work arrangements.
- Nearly half of women expressed workplace safety concerns, with 43% experiencing non-inclusive behaviours, mainly micro-aggressions.
- Despite challenges, some positives were noted, including 27% feeling uncomfortable discussing personal issues, but only 15% believed it would harm career progression.
What are Deloitte-Identified Gender Equality Leaders:
- Only 6% of women are employed by such organizations, yet they exhibit high levels of employee loyalty.
- Employees at these organizations often recommend them to others, and staff members are inclined to remain with the company for longer periods due to perceived career advancement opportunities.
- The survey primarily centered on the corporate workplace.
India’s Concern:
- Poor standards in office environments extend to factory floors, where work cultures are less sophisticated and often unsafe for women.
- Cultural reforms are needed in both white-collar offices and factory settings to encourage women to join the workforce.
- Ensuring safer and more inclusive workplace environments is essential for promoting gender equality and empowering women in India.
