LOS ANGELES , August 13, 2018 : From career advancement to pay discrepancies to re-entering the workforce, female professionals nationwide shared insights on the challenges they face in today’s workplace. A new Korn Ferry, survey shows that 40 percent of women professionals said they’ve missed a promotion or an opportunity simply because they’re female.
The survey shows the career challenges many women in the workplace endure, with nearly half (42 percent) stating the pay gap is the most important issue and a quarter (25 percent) said the glass ceiling is the most important issue.
From the responses, nearly half (45 percent) said they have been sexually or verbally harassed at work. When asked what the most important advice other female professionals have given to help others succeed in the workplace, nearly half (44 percent) said to develop a strong network, nearly a third (32 percent) said to have confidence and nearly 20 percent (18 percent) said to showcase accomplishments to key leaders.
“The survey underscores the continued need for action around the important issues and challenges facing women in the workplace,” said Jane Stevenson, global leader for CEO succession and vice chairman of Korn Ferry. “My best advice for women in the workplace is to be confident and passionate. If you want the job, be the job before you even receive the promotion.”
About the Survey
The survey received 738 responses across several industries, which took place in July 2018.
Survey Results
Do you think you’ve missed an opportunity or a promotion at work because you’re female?
Yes – 40 percent
No – 60 percent
Have you ever been passed up for a promotion because you’re female?
Yes – 33 percent
No – 67 percent
What’s the most important issue facing women in the workplace?
Sexual harassment – 7 percent
Pay gap – 42 percent
Glass ceiling – 25 percent
Gender discrimination – 26 percent
What is the biggest challenge for women in leadership positions in the workplace?
Being treated equally – 38 percent
Advancement – 22 percent
Getting respect from peers – 25 percent
Re-entering the workforce – 15 percent
Have you ever been sexually or verbally harassed at work?
Yes – 45 percent
No – 55 percent
What is the most important advice you would give other females trying to succeed professionally?
Have confidence – 32 percent
Overcome perfectionism – 6 percent
Showcase accomplishments to key leaders – 18 percent
Develop a strong network – 44 percent
If applicable, do you feel raising a child has a negative impact on your career advancement?
Yes – 45 percent
No – 55 percent
How much less do you feel you make per year than your male colleagues in similar roles?
0-5 percent less than male counterparts – 6 percent
5-10 percent less than male counterparts – 15 percent
10-20 percent less than male counterparts – 42 percent
20-40 percent less than male counterparts – 15 percent
50-75 percent less than male counterparts – 3 percent
75-100 percent less than male counterparts – 1 percent
I make the same as my male counterparts – 17 percent
I make more than my male counterparts – 1 percent
About Korn Ferry : Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We help clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance. We work with organizations to design their structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people to bring their strategy to life. And we advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their people.
