Lots of women considered leaving top-level jobs over a lack of equal opportunities
A new survey has found that most female workers think there’s a poor gender split in their sector.
WELL OVER A third of senior women execs have at least thought about leaving their positions over a perceived lack of opportunities compared to their male colleagues.
A new report published by corporate finance advisors Duff & Phelps Ireland ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow found that almost 40% of women have considered leaving or left their positions due to a lack of equal opportunities in the workplace.
Although the vast majority of survey respondents – some 87% – said they believe the issue of equal work has improved in the last five years, many don’t think there’s a good gender split in their industry.
The survey of 110 senior-level female workers revealed that two-thirds believe there is a poor male-to-female ratio in their sector. Just 10% think Ireland ranks highly when it comes to equal opportunities for women.
Despite some “encouraging” results, Duff & Phelps’ Irish boss, Anne O’Dwyer, said the survey findings suggest the country has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality in the workplace.
“Although Ireland has made big strides when it comes gender equality over the past five years, there is still a lot more to be done,” O’Dwyer said, adding that equal opportunities for both men and women would ensure that Ireland’s workforce can “deliver the best results”.
Flexible working
Duff & Phelps’ survey identified three key priorities for companies to promote gender diversity in the workplace.
The number one issue that senior-level women say would improve diversity is family-friendly and flexible working.
Three in four said high-profile female leaders in the workplace would help address the issue, while 70% agreed that a strong ‘women in leadership programme’ would help balance.
The majority of survey respondents said the government should further subsidise childcare costs and more than half believe Budget 2019 should pave the way for legislation that allows parents split maternity leave.
