Despite Gains, Workplace Bias, Harassment Remain Stubborn for Women, Study Says
While women now make up almost 60% of college graduates and half of the US workforce, a new report from McKinsey & Company and Lean In reveals that significant challenges persist for women in the workplace, CBS News reports.
The “Women in the Workplace” report, marking its 10th year, otulines a lack of progress on several fronts, despite efforts by advocates, corporations, and the #MeToo movement.
While women have made gains in corporate leadership roles, with 29% now holding C-suite positions, the report reveals a “broken rung” phenomenon: women are failing to get promoted from entry-level jobs at the same rate as men. For every 100 men promoted to a manager role, only 81 women were promoted, a figure that has barely improved since 2018.
The report also stresses a stark reality: sexual harassment remains prevalent in Corporate America. Nearly 40% of working women have experienced harassment during their careers, from sexist jokes to obscene comments. Worryingly, the study found that women under 30 are just as likely to experience sexual harassment as older women, indicating no decrease in the issue over time.
Despite the rise of the #MeToo movement, only half of women feel confident their employers would effectively address harassment reports. This lack of confidence underscores the need for stronger company policies and a more supportive environment for women to come forward.
The report also identifies a widening gap in attitudes towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) between young men and women. Only 4 in 10 men under 30 support prioritizing DEI, a decline from 2019, while 7 in 10 young women continue to support these efforts. This trend raises concerns about the future of DEI initiatives in a climate where some companies are pulling back from these programs.
Authors of the report stress the need for corporate changes to address these persistent issues, including implementing blind resume reviews to eliminate gender bias in hiring and promotion. They also encourage women to actively advocate for themselves and their careers.
