Celebrated globally every March 8th, this year’s theme is #EachforEqual. It is aimed to shed light on the difference each individual person can make in striving toward gender equality. #EachforEqual has a goal of inspiring collective individualism and emphasizing that we are responsible for our own individual thoughts and actions. Together, every member of society can play their part in challenging biases, fighting stereotypes, and celebrating the achievements of women. We can all contribute to a world that is gender-equal. For companies, businesses, and communities to excel, gender equality is essential. It is important to recognize that although we have seen a massive improvement in the past few years, we still have a long way to go.
Gender Equality in the Workplace
68% of managers say that their company is home to an inclusive and empowering environment, yet only 36% of employees agree. According to Forbes, research has shown that women in high-level leadership positions are great for business. However, the gender gap in many organizations is still very prevalent. A study conducted by Mercer in 2016 surveyed 583 companies around the world and found that women make up only 35% of the average workforce. Out of the 3.2 million employees who provided input, the study found that only 33% of general managerial roles are occupied by women, 26% of senior management roles, and 20% of executive roles. This steady decrease, as we move further up the company ladder, is troubling, and further emphasizes the prevalence of gender inequality in the workplace.
Several reports have conclusively shown that companies who have women occupying high-level positions possess a greater chance of delivering higher excess returns to shareholders, as opposed to companies that are dominantly run by males. These facts display a clear relationship between gender diversity in the workplace and business success. A study conducted by Harvard Business Review concluded that several cultural factors are holding women back in the workplace, including fewer assignments and responsibilities, fewer promotions, and lower salaries. Thus, companies often say one thing, but the statistics tell another story. What is your organization doing to promote gender diversity and equality in your workplace?
Women in Hospitality and Healthcare
In addition to the promotional barriers mentioned previously, women’s safety is often compromised more than their male counterparts. Female-dominated industries, such as health care and hospitality, are made up of positions that are extremely vulnerable to workplace harassment, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. In fact, women make up 80% of the health care industry alone. Both the health care and hospitality industries pose unique threats due to the nature of work that each sector entails. Workers are often required to work alone or in the presence of unfamiliar guests, which can lead to threatening and potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, women are much more likely to be sexually, verbally, and physically harassed in these industries.
The Complex and Unpredictable Risks Faced by Women
Recent trends have shown that the demand for at-home health care is increasing. Not only is it more cost-efficient, but advancements in technology allow health care workers to deliver a diverse range of care in a broad range of home and community settings. The Government Accountability Office says that instances of workplace violence in healthcare are increasing overall, with more than 730,000 assaults taking place between 2009 and 2013. These figures show home health care workers to bear the most serious risk. Entering the home of an unfamiliar patient poses an extensive list of risks to the traveling nurse, including intoxicated, or violent patients, or unfriendly, aggressive pets.
Similarly, female hospitality staff are experiencing increasing instances of harassment on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 517 work-related fatalities between the years 2015 and 2017. Similar statistics show that out of every 100 hospitality workers, approximately 3.2 workers suffered an injury on the job. These employees are very vulnerable: hotel workers are primarily women, required to work quickly, often work alone, and must enter the private spaces of unknown and unfamiliar guests. In fact, violence in the hospitality industry has become such a pressing issue that several regions throughout the US have passed laws requiring companies to provide their workers with Bluetooth panic buttons.
Women’s Safety at Work
This International Women’s Day, it’s important to consider the safety of your women at on the job. Gender equality at work is a topic that is frequently discussed, and rightfully so, but the safety of women at work is seldom considered a separate issue to the safety of men. It is essential to recognize that women face unique safety risks on the job, especially in industries such as hospitality and healthcare. Studies have shown that women endure sexual harassment in the workplace up to four times more than men, regardless of their profession. Women are also up to 13% more likely to experience physical assault on the job than their male counterparts.