Women experience discrimination at same rate as people of colour

Discrimination is still haunting the workplace, with women experiencing it at the same rate as people of colour, according to a new study.

Nearly half (46%) of women say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace compared to 32% of men, confirmed the State of the Diverse Worker survey, carried out by media platform Jobcase. That’s the same rate of discrimination experienced by people of colour, and more specifically, 45% of Black people. However, the LGBTQ+ community have experienced the most workplace discrimination (at 54%).

The findings from the social platform dedicated to empowering workers, indicate that diversity efforts benefit companies by attracting qualified candidates; but that attitudes appear slower to change among certain groups. The survey found that a majority of people consider a company’s policies around supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace when looking for work. That includes 84% of respondents who identified as LGBTQ+, 78% of people of colour and 74% of women. Around 60% of men, however, were less likely to consider an employer’s diversity efforts when seeking work were, specifically White men (52%).

DIVERSITY’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Additionally, nearly 60% of respondents reported that diversity gives companies a competitive advantage. The findings indicate that diversity affects the bottom line. Many workers say they would be willing to purchase a product or service from a company that prioritises diversity; including  65% LGBTQ+, 62% people of colour, 54% of women, compared to just 45% of White Men.

On a positive note, most staff believe organisations are taking action on diversity, albeit slowly. More people of colour (59%) believe their company is committed to diversifying its workforce compared to any other group; LGBTQ+  (55%), White men (52%), women (52%). As a result, 78% of Black people said it has been easier to find a job in the past year, followed by people of colour  (70%), LGBTQ+ (64%), women (61%) and White people (60%).

DIVERSITY PROGRESS 

Nevertheless, while diversity is improving, there is still work to do, noted the study. When employees were asked if they’ve seen a change in diversity among their company’s leadership team over the past year, 33% of workers reported seeing a positive change. However, 26% of Black people reported a negative change in diversity, compared to only 9% of White people. Separate from leadership, 38% of respondents report seeing an increase in diverse workers at their workplace over the past year.

“This study shows us that diversity, equity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but are actually key tenets of good corporate practice,” commented Gerry Brun, Head of Member product at Jobcase. “As a person of colour and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel personally inspired by these findings because they show that diversity is a real asset. It can be used to recruit and retain top candidates; which can not only help boost productivity but also create an inclusive workplace culture and community.”

EMBRACING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION EFFORTS

People also appear to be embracing the benefits of diversity, the survey indicated; with nearly 60% of all respondents saying that diversity gives companies a competitive advantage. This includes 63% of LGBTQ+ respondents, 61% of people of colour and 58% of women. However, even though 58% of White men also claim to recognise the benefits of diversity; this is not reflected in their behaviour to support it. Only 24% of White men look to work for companies that have openly LGBTQ+ executives; and only 27% of White men seek organisations with people of colour in leadership positions. 

“This past year has taught us all that we have to do more than just say the right things; and White people, in particular, need to work together with everyone else in making sure we are delivering meaningful change,” stated Fred Goff, Co-founder and CEO of Jobcase. “Companies that can walk the walk are going to see countless benefits in recruiting, retention and the bottom line. We live in a wonderfully diverse world. Businesses that will best succeed this century are those that build and empower a workforce that reflects and understands the world in which we operate. Embracing DE&I is not just the right thing to do ethically; it’s also the prudent thing to do to grow a business.”  

Earlier this year, tech startup Panther Data Solutions, announced the  launch of a new tool to identify and prevent workplace bias and discrimination. Click here to read more.