Women in the Workplace: What Stresses Them Out?

„Women are more stressed, mental health stigma persists, and long working hours take a toll“
Half of the respondents report that their stress levels are higher than the previous year. Many (especially those who regularly work overtime) are concerned about their mental health and fear discrimination if their issues become known in the workplace.

„Many women are working through pain“
Many women experience issues related to menstruation, fertility, or menopause without taking time off or discussing them at work, fearing that it could negatively impact their careers.

„Women who live with a partner still bear the most responsibility for childcare and—increasingly—care of other adults“
Die Hälfte der Frauen mit Kindern und 60 % der Frauen mit pflegebedürftigen Angehörigen trägt die Hauptverantwortung für die Betreuung. Von den 20 %, die Hauptverdienerin sind, ist fast die Hälfte ebenfalls für die Kinderbetreuung zuständig. Ein Fünftel der Befragten fürchtet, dass der Mangel an Betreuungsmöglichkeiten sie zwingen könnte, ihre Arbeit aufzugeben oder Abstriche an ihrer Karriere zu machen.

„Flexibility and work/life balance are critical for retention“
Although most women consider work-life balance to be crucial in their choice of workplace, they feel hardly supported by their employers in this regard. Many are convinced that demands related to this would negatively impact their careers.

„Hybrid work experiences are improving, but some women say they have made adjustments to their work and personal lives following the introduction of return-to-office policies“
The balance between working from home and being present in the office remains challenging. Many women feel pressured by their employers, with some even feeling forced to reduce their working hours. This also has an impact on mental health.

„Women are feeling unsafe in the workplace, and non-inclusive behaviors continue“
Many of the respondents worry about their safety as women in the workplace or on their way to work. Forty-three percent experience harassment or microaggressions, but most do not report it to their employers.

„Gender Equality Leaders are still rare“
Deloitte identifies a small number of companies as “Gender Equality Leaders.” Six percent of the surveyed women work in these companies. They have significantly better experiences in all the aforementioned areas, are more optimistic about their careers, and usually intend to stay with their employers for a longer time.