Safety remains a paramount concern for Indian women, with 46% worrying about their safety at work or during commutes. This is according to the Women @ Work 2024 Report by Deloitte. Additionally, 14% report instances of harassment or discomfort from clients or customers, highlighting the need for robust measures to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace environment.
According to the report, Indian women are primarily concerned about women’s rights, financial security, and personal safety at work or while commuting.
14% of women across the globe say that women’s rights have deteriorated in their respective countries over the last year. Strikingly, the same proportion shares this belief in India, indicating a concerning trend within the nation.
“Furthering the equal participation of women in our workforce goes well beyond the four walls of the office, and some of the priorities would include change in behaviour. It is important for organisations to call out undesirable behaviour such as micro-aggressions and gender-bias. It is also important to focus on areas that may feel like they’re beyond the organisation’s control, which nevertheless need investment of best possible efforts," says Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer, Deloitte India.
For example, extending the zero-tolerance policy for bad behaviour by colleagues to vendors / customers as well; a night-time travel policy where there are safeguards for women professionals; and sensitisation training that covers allyship in general, instead of just as a rule at the workplace, she said.
The report also suggests that women in India often work through health challenges related to menstruation and menopause, surpassing global averages. The report suggests that the taboo around women’s health. This underscores the importance of fostering supportive and inclusive workplace environments that accommodate women's health needs.
The report also emphasises on the disparity and gender roles in India. Women with partners in India bear the brunt of household tasks, with only 16% being the primary earners in their households.
Despite commitments to gender diversity, only 10% of women in India believe that their organisations are taking concrete steps to fulfill these promises. Lack of flexibility and inadequate benefits emerge as top factors influencing women's decisions to leave their current employers.
Also, a significant portion of Indian women (30%) express a lack of desire to progress into senior leadership positions, signaling underlying barriers and challenges in career advancement.
While fewer women in India experience exclusion and lack of flexibility in hybrid working environments compared to the previous year, challenges persist for those mandated to return to the workplace full time. Many have requested reduced hours, citing negative impacts on mental well-being and employer perception.
According to the report, Indian women are primarily concerned about women’s rights, financial security, and personal safety at work or while commuting.
14% of women across the globe say that women’s rights have deteriorated in their respective countries over the last year. Strikingly, the same proportion shares this belief in India, indicating a concerning trend within the nation.
“Furthering the equal participation of women in our workforce goes well beyond the four walls of the office, and some of the priorities would include change in behaviour. It is important for organisations to call out undesirable behaviour such as micro-aggressions and gender-bias. It is also important to focus on areas that may feel like they’re beyond the organisation’s control, which nevertheless need investment of best possible efforts," says Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer, Deloitte India.
For example, extending the zero-tolerance policy for bad behaviour by colleagues to vendors / customers as well; a night-time travel policy where there are safeguards for women professionals; and sensitisation training that covers allyship in general, instead of just as a rule at the workplace, she said.
The report also suggests that women in India often work through health challenges related to menstruation and menopause, surpassing global averages. The report suggests that the taboo around women’s health. This underscores the importance of fostering supportive and inclusive workplace environments that accommodate women's health needs.
The report also emphasises on the disparity and gender roles in India. Women with partners in India bear the brunt of household tasks, with only 16% being the primary earners in their households.
Despite commitments to gender diversity, only 10% of women in India believe that their organisations are taking concrete steps to fulfill these promises. Lack of flexibility and inadequate benefits emerge as top factors influencing women's decisions to leave their current employers.
Also, a significant portion of Indian women (30%) express a lack of desire to progress into senior leadership positions, signaling underlying barriers and challenges in career advancement.
While fewer women in India experience exclusion and lack of flexibility in hybrid working environments compared to the previous year, challenges persist for those mandated to return to the workplace full time. Many have requested reduced hours, citing negative impacts on mental well-being and employer perception.
First Published: May 3, 2024 1:22 PM IST
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