Despite significant advancements to equality for Canadian women in the workplace, corporate policies and workplace procedures can’t easily address key factors that inhibit their success and career opportunities, according to a Randstad Canada study released October 15.
The study found that factors such as appearance, the gender of an immediate supervisor and a woman’s personal life all play a role in a woman’s career progression.
“There are still vast differences in the way women are treated in corporate Canada, and it isn’t just about compensation and access to the corner office,” said Gina Ibghy, chief people officer at Randstad Canada.
“Less measurable, but no less important factors restricting advancement and being provided chances to make business critical decisions are at play.
“It’s against that backdrop that we conducted the research and developed the Women Shaping Business campaign. By acknowledging these issues still exist, we aspire to start to affect positive change for women in the Canadian workplace.”
Key findings of the study include:
- 90% of respondents felt that overall image, including looks, impact a woman’s career progression, but only 37% said the same was true for men;
- half of respondents believe the gender of an immediate supervisor plays a role in a woman’s career success, with respondents saying that having a female supervisor is more likely to hinder a woman’s career progression than a male supervisor; and
- 77% of those surveyed believe a woman has to work harder and longer hours than a man to reach and maintain the same management role.
The full results of the study, as well as more information about Randstad’s Women Shaping Business campaign, can be found here.
