Women @ Work: A global outlook has been saved
Perspectives
Women @ Work: A global outlook
How employers can support women and create more high-trust, inclusive cultures during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Global survey finds that 51% of women are less optimistic about their career prospects than before the pandemic.
Our survey respondents are clear about what needs to be done to reverse the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on working women. As organizations look to rebuild their workplaces, those that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their policies and culture and provide tangible support for the women in their workforces will be more resilient against future disruptions. Additionally, they will lay the groundwork needed to propel women and gender equity forward in the workplace.
— Michele Parmelee, Deloitte Global Deputy CEO and Chief People & Purpose Officer
Instituting policies is no longer enough to change the experience of women colleagues, the “ways of working” needs to change to support this. This is a clarion call for culture and mindset change which Indian companies need to address urgently. Executive teams have an important responsibility here. Leaders need to strongly foster an environment where flexibility in work hours is welcomed and boundaries around work hours are respected for all employees. Creating a positive environment where we celebrate role model women and male colleagues who support and encourage one another in dealing with the challenge of working from home. This will help overcome the issue of feeling burnt out, drive wellness and create an inclusive behavior, resulting in a work-life balance and improved relationships.
— Mohinish Sinha, Partner and Diversity & Inclusion Leader, Deloitte India
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating and disproportionate impacts on women’s lives and careers
We surveyed 5,000 working women across 10 countries to hear directly from them about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of gender equality in the workplace. Respondents varied across age groups and the data from the survey has also enabled analysis through the intersectional lenses of race and ethnicity and sexual orientation and gender identity.
Women indicated that they are more stressed and discouraged since the pandemic began as they take on an increasing amount of responsibility at home and in their careers. Women continue to face a broad range of non-inclusive behaviors without adequate support from their direct managers and employers at large. Many employers have policies and procedures for reporting bias and discrimination, but few employers have cultivated cultures of trust where women feel comfortable voicing concerns without fearing negative career impacts.
The pandemic and employers’ unsatisfactory responses to the comprehensive pressures on women are forcing many women to make difficult decisions about whether to find another job or even leave the workforce altogether. This is a critical moment for employers to understand the changes that women want—and need—to have happen soon. We hope that this report helps organizations minimize the long-term consequences of the pandemic and rebuild workplaces with more inclusive, high-trust cultures that are fit for the future.
Key Findings
Our global survey shows that women are more stressed and pessimistic about their careers than before the pandemic. The pandemic has negatively impacted women’s wellbeing and relationship with their employer, but longstanding non-inclusive workplace cultures also continue to stall women’s career progression.
Progress around gender equality is at risk during the pandemic
Our survey shows how women’s wellbeing has been severely impacted across a range of measures from mental health to job satisfaction. The pandemic has had an even greater impact on the careers of women in underrepresented groups. A small group of “gender equality leaders” have taken steps to create positive ‘everyday’ cultures for women, but most employers have a long way to go to foster inclusive and empowering environments where women can thrive—and want to stay.
