ManpowerGroup’s “World of Work Outlook for Women in 2024” report reveals that while only 41% of employers overall have reached full gender equality, the percentage is higher in certain industries, including consumer goods and services (69%), healthcare and life sciences (67%), and information technology (66%). A little over half (52%) of respondents said they’re also on track with pay equity initiatives, with employers in financials and real estate (59%), communications services (58%), and information technology (58%) leading the way.
Female representation was closest to even in administrative (51%) and operational (48%) roles, while STEM (43%) and top-level management (42%) roles were lagging behind.
Employers also reported on the effectiveness of gender equality efforts:
- For more than one-third (37%) of respondents, flexible working policies have been the most effective for retaining and attracting diverse talent. New technology has helped 65% of employers be more flexible.
- Tech has also supported employers in diversifying their IT talent pipelines (62%), and more than half (52%) reported that AI-based tools helped them recruit the best candidates without gender bias.
- Other effective diversity initiatives included leadership development (30%), inclusive culture (29%), and coaching/mentoring (28%) initiatives. For 30% of employers, leadership development programs have helped narrow gaps that used to prevent management promotions.
For more insights on workplace gender equality, see the full report.
