Recent results from an extensive survey demonstrate the major advantages of gender equality in the workplace. In addition to boosting women’s loyalty and productivity, an egalitarian workplace also raises issues and problems that must be resolved to maximize workplace dynamics.
The benefits of gender equality
Deloitte’s recent “Women @ Work” survey has brought to light that gender equality at the workplace can triple women’s productivity and loyalty. In contrast, women working in environments that lack these measures report significantly lower scores in both areas. This stark difference underscores the importance of gender-inclusive practices in boosting organizational performance.
Enhanced loyalty and productivity
Companies that have made gender equality a priority have seen increases in employee loyalty as well as increased productivity among their female staff. For businesses looking to succeed and remain sustainable over the long run, this dual advantage is essential.
Challenges in transition to full-time work
As businesses evolve, the transition back to full-time work has posed significant challenges for many women:
Requests for reduced hours
A considerable portion of the workforce—41%—has requested a reduction in working hours, suggesting that corporate structures need to be more flexible in order to support employees’ need to balance their personal and professional lives.
Impact on mental well-being
The change has also had an adverse effect on mental health, according to 31% of women. This emphasizes how important it is for workplaces to have mental health support networks.
Perceptions of employers
Furthermore, 36% of women stated that they had a worse opinion of their company as a result of the lack of assistance during this change, which may indicate that management and staff are not communicating or understanding one another well.
The dilemma of flexible working
The preference for flexible working arrangements remains high, yet nearly all surveyed women in India feel that seeking such arrangements could hinder their career progression.
Career growth concerns
A striking 96% of women believe that requesting flexible work might impact their career growth, pointing to an underlying bias in workplace policies.
Communication barriers
Furthermore, 91% of respondents feel uncomfortable discussing work-life balance challenges with their managers, indicating a need for a more open and supportive dialogue within teams.
Workload adjustments
An overwhelming 94% do not believe that their workload would be adjusted if they utilized flexible working options, which calls for a reassessment of work distribution and performance metrics.
Caregiving and safety concerns
Caregiving responsibilities and safety at work remain significant concerns for women, affecting their work environment and sense of security.
Dependency on paid help
In India, there is a higher dependence on paid help, with 31% relying on it, compared to a global average of 6%, reflecting cultural and social dynamics.
Safety at work
Personal safety is another critical concern, with 46% worried about their safety at work or during commutes, and over a quarter fear attacks or harassment related to their workplace location.
Conclusion
Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer at Deloitte India, emphasizes the undeniable business case for inclusive practices. She notes that true organizational growth requires all employees to be empowered to excel. When policies aimed at advancing women’s careers are effectively implemented, businesses not only benefit from a diverse range of perspectives but also foster a nurturing and safe workplace environment.
This survey serves as a crucial reminder of the benefits that gender equality brings to the workplace and the work that still needs to be done to make these benefits a reality for all.
