This year’s respondents represent our most diverse set so far, particularly in terms of geography and ethnicity. Overall, a picture emerges this year of social pressure and awareness around women’s rights and gender equity being at record highs. At the same time a reverse and negative effect on female advancement has occurred in the fall out from the pandemic. Two opposing forces are converging, making this quite a unique moment when it comes to this important conversation.
It is only by understanding and documenting the issues facing women in the workplace that we can begin to dismantle them. The evolution of equity as a concept emerges this year with our respondents. More people are becoming aware that we all need different things and different types of support in order to achieve our full professional potential. This runs alongside increased awareness and support of broader social issues including racial equity, gender identity and inclusivity for non-binary people as well as the ongoing ripples from the #metoo movement and issues of workplace harassment and discrimination.
As our research further expands to include all aspects of the DEI dialogue, our male respondents are a vital source of information as we showcase the viewpoint of men as allies, but also as people in the workforce who themselves experience and observe both inclusion and discrimination. When it comes to access to parental leave and flexible working, it appears men are sometimes at a disadvantage. A minority of our male respondents took a good amount of parental leave, whilst the vast majority would have liked to take more or would have done if it was available. This fits within our conversation around flexible working which maintains utmost importance for the vast majority of respondents.
All these and so much more are critical components of equitable workplaces and we look forward to sharing the thoughts and experiences of our respondents with you once again.
