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Hidden bias prevents gender equality in the workplace

Announcement posted by Reputation 01 Aug 2013

WITH millions of employees struggling to strike a balance between family and work life, Australian workplaces are urged to encourage employees to choose flexible working arrangements that positively impact career advancement.

 A qualitative research study by The 100% Project has found that both men and women unconsciously believe that their careers would suffer if they asked their employer for flexible working arrangements. Yet both men and women are equally committed to the idea of spending quality time with their families and having a rich, full life outside of work.

 The study also revealed that whilst women and men say they would both like to have work-life balance, their unconscious bias perceives work-life balance policies and flexible working arrangements as appropriate for women only. As a result, men are very unlikely to ask their employers for flexible working arrangements that allow them to contribute meaningfully to their family and the communities in which they live.

Dr Fiona Page, The 100% Project’s Director and Chair of the Research Committee, claims unconscious bias is a significant factor in gender diversity in the workplace and must be overcome in order to create gender equality in Australian organisations.

“Unconscious bias refers to the implicit, attitudinal biases that we are unaware we have, and so are unaware that we act upon. When it comes to gender diversity, the research clearly shows that unconscious bias is a key influencer in preventing employees, particularly men, from achieving a work-life balance,” she said.

“We know that men have an unconscious bias against work-life balance but even if they were to somehow overcome this bias and ask for greater work-life balance, they still face significant backlash from female colleagues or partners for doing so,” she said.

“This cultural mindset means that men are less likely to access work-life balance initiatives offered by their workplaces and women are more likely to continue to carry the burden of maintaining a home and raising their children, hindering the ability for more women to become leaders in organisations.”

For more information on the Research Paper visit www.the100percentproject.com.au

 ENDS

 Media Relations

 Terri-Helen Gaynor   02 8252 7001    thgaynor@reputation.net.au

ABOUT THE 100% PROJECT

The 100% Project is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to see 100 per cent of Australia’s leadership talent, female and male, equally contributing to our social and economic future. We exist because women are currently not given the opportunity to contribute equally, especially at senior levels. Women are under-represented on most Boards and in the senior management teams of most Australian organisations.  We believe the reasons for this can be found in the day-to-day practices and mindsets that shape how most organisations are run. The 100% Project’s mission is to challenge leaders in Australian businesses and organisations to identify those practices and mindsets and take action to change them.  The 100% Project conducts research and runs other programs that are designed to help make this happen. We recognise we have to engage men if we are to achieve meaningful change – because men run most of the businesses and organisations where change is required and organisational culture is generally defined in male terms.

For more information about The 100% Project visit our website www.the100percentproject.com.au and find out how to become a Champion, Volunteer or Corporate Partner.

 

About CGU

CGU Insurance Limited [ABN 27 004 478 371, AFSL 238291] is the largest provider of general insurance to Australia’s regional and rural communities, a leading workers’ compensation provider and one of Australia’s leading commercial insurers. CGU offers a comprehensive range of commercial, rural and personal insurance products through a network of over 1,000 insurance brokers and authorised representatives. CGU has been operating in Australia for 160 years and is part of Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consult the Product Disclosure statement (www.cgu.com.au) before considering the product.