Women’s Progress Stalls in the Workplace: New Deloitte Report Reveals Alarming Trends

Deloitte’s latest “Women @ Work: A Global Outlook” report, based on a survey of 5,000 women across 10 countries, reveals the slow progress and mounting pressures women face in the global workforce.  

Now in its fourth year, the updated findings suggest the importance for employers to prioritize gender equality and establish more inclusive cultures within the workplace.  

The data suggests that this includes a need to better support women’s professional career advancement and mental/physical well-being.  

Half of the women surveyed by Deloitte said they experienced higher stress levels compared to the previous year — with mental health ranking as a top concern. More than half of the respondents feel they are not receiving adequate mental health support from their employers. 

Women also continue to bear a disproportionate share of household responsibilities. 50% of women living with a partner and children are reportedly taking on the most responsibility for childcare. According to Deloitte, this figure is up from the 46% recorded in 2023. 

Almost half of the women surveyed express worries about their personal safety at work or during their commute. 

Safety concerns and non-inclusive behaviors persist in the workplace as well. Almost half of the women surveyed express worries about their personal safety at work or during their commute. Additionally, “one-quarter of women experience health challenges related to menstruation, menopause, and fertility,” often working through “pain or discomfort” without feeling comfortable seeking support or taking time off. 

While hybrid work models have shown some improvements to equity in the workforce, mandatory office returns are also likely to have negatively impacted women’s mental health and productivity.  

According to the report, the “lack of flexible working hours is among the top reasons women have changed jobs over the past year (15%), with the same number also citing poor work/life balance.” 

Over the past couple of years, flexible working arrangements and opportunities for better work-life balance have become key to retaining skilled talent in the workforce. However, 95% of women believe that requesting flexible work options will negatively impact their chances of promotion. 

Data from Deloitte’s Women @ Work report serves as another call to action for top companies to address the persistent challenges women face — and as a call to create more equitable workplaces.  

By prioritizing inclusive cultures, reducing stigma, and supporting work-life balance, organizations are more likely to improve workplace conditions for women and drive progress towards greater gender equality around the world.