Women @ Work 2024: A Global Outlook

Women @ Work 2024: A Global Outlook

Now in its fourth year, Deloitte's "Women @ Work: A Global Outlook" examines some of the critical workplace and societal factors that can profoundly impact women’s careers. The findings are thought-provoking. They give us insight into the challenges, both in and out of the workplace, faced by the world’s working women today—and how far employers around the world still have to go to create workplaces where women thrive.

Representing the views of 5,000 women from workplaces across 10 countries, Women @ Work: A Global Outlook seeks to understand the lived experiences of women at work—and the ways in which aspects of their lives outside of work can impact these experiences.

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Key insights include:

• Half of women say their stress levels have increased since last year, and despite some progress, they are still not receiving adequate mental health support in the workplace.
• Women’s disproportionate share of domestic responsibilities, including a sharp rise in those caring for another adult, is taking a toll on their careers and mental health.
• Nearly half of women are concerned about their personal safety at work or while travelling to or for work.
• Many women who experience challenges related to menstrual disorders, fertility, and even more so for menopause, feel unable to seek support or take time off from work.
• Experiences with hybrid work are improving, but some women say they have made adjustments to their work and personal lives following return-to-office policies

Previous editions

The 2023 edition of Deloitte's "Women @ Work: A Global Outlook" offered some glimpses of real improvement.

Rates of burnout had dropped. Non-inclusive behaviours declined. And women reported more positive experiences with hybrid work. Despite improvements over the previous year, many women were still not getting what they want or needed  from their employers.

Key insights from 2023:

• Drop in burnout represents some progress, but mental health is still poor and stigma remains.
• When it comes to menstruation and menopause, many women often struggle in silence.
• Broader concerns about women’s rights, financial security, health, and personal safety prevail.
• Women bear the greatest responsibility for household tasks, and often feel they need to prioritise their partners’ careers.
• Women want more flexibility at work, but it is still not a reality for many and this is impacting their career choices.
• Hybrid work experiences are improving, but challenges remain.
• Women are still experiencing non-inclusive behaviours and many are still not reporting them to their employers.
• Women in under represented groups still face more challenges in the workplace.
• Gender Equality Leaders remain few and far between.