Barriers to gender equality in the workplace

Women’s opportunities in the workplace have changed significantly in the past few decades. But there are still barriers to gender equality in the workplace. We’re working to change that.

Women in full time roles earned on average £5,552 less than men in full time roles during 2016, according to the Official of National Statistics. That’s the same across the world and barriers to gender equality are widespread. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report found that none of the 142 countries featured had economic equality between the genders. We work with our partners to tear down the barriers to gender equality. We want things to change.

How do I choose my next job?

We want to open new doors to our users. We have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence in our job searches, so we can push past the limitations you put on yourself. It’s called unconscious bias - the idea that you already self-select what you can and can’t do. Or which jobs are right for you. We use new and inspiring technology to throw open new opportunities for our jobseekers. Find out where you could grow your career with our tools here. Upload your CV and see your opportunities open up.

We also know that raising a family can throw up obstacles to gender equality. Opportunity Now’s 28-40 Report found that 81% of women believed that having children would affect their career progression. They called out issues around flexibility and support – or rather, a lack of it.

We want to raise up successes in breaking down these barriers. Goldman Sachs, for example, run returnships. This is a programme where women returning from a career break take on a project with the bank. The idea is to build that person’s confidence. And catch up with new ideas they may have missed while being away.

Gender equality barriers in business

Unconscious bias and the lack of suitable support to women after having children have created a glass ceiling in the workplace.

The country’s leading FTSE 100 companies have 305 women on their board (29% of all members) up from 12.5 per cent in 2011. That’s important progress for our economy. Organisations with women on their boards are more successful than those without.

We want to help our job seekers contribute to that success. We list jobs from companies who promote diversity within their workplaces. We know that these businesses provide better working environments for women. And their culture of fairness and equality between genders breeds success.

Find roles with companies offering flexible working and gender-equality initiatives here.