Key Findings of LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2021
LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2021 showed that 9 in 10 or 89 percent of women were negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 85% of women in India have missed out on a raise, promotion because of their gender. Apart from lack of time being the topmost barrier, many women face discrimination for family care.The findings of the research point towards the old-age dilemma. While people want to find opportunities that allow them to pursue their passion, have a work-life balance, and job security. However, the deficiency of financial resources coupled with ageism and a difficult job market stand make it difficult for individuals to pursue their dreams.While work-life balance is the topmost desired opportunity in In Asia Pacific and the UAE, in Europe and North America, it is about pursuing their passions. Participants from Brazil and Mexico highlighted the need for job security and stability as of primary importance.The LinkedIn report said that women across the globe were strangely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hopes of juggling home and work life have created havoc in their lives. Gender inequality coupled with domestic responsibilities amid the pandemic has together made women’s jobs more vulnerable.Two in three women have said that they have faced a lack of guidance through networks.7 in 10 working mothers have faced workplace discrimination at some point or the other. They blame household responsibilities for the same. 71 percent of women participants also stated that that familial responsibilities often come in the way of their career and have been forced to take a step back for the same very reason.The survey also recorded the fact that now women are actively seeking employers who treat them as equal (50 percent), and are actually looking for appreciation for the hard work put in. The report suggests that organisations need to move forward and provide robust maternity policies and flexibility programs to meet the changing needs of women employees.1 in 5, which is almost 22 percent, working women in India have said that their companies parade a ‘favourable bias’ towards men at work when compared to the regional average of 16%. The report also states that 37 percent of working women feel they do not have access to the same opportunities as compared to their male counterparts.According to the survey, nearly 66% of the participants from India feel that gender equality has improved compared to their parents’ age.
As COVID-19 cases still on a rise, the report suggests that the need of the hour is for the organisations to reimagine and to shift their diversity practices. Organisations now need to come up with greater flexible solutions to caregivers, with an aim to increase female participation in the workforce. It is in fact time for offering reduced and flexible schedules, more sabbaticals, and new opportunities to upskill and learn.
