A RECENT survey of nearly 1,000 people in Asia to find out if diversity policies have an impact on career progression found that 43% said that it was a barrier at their organisation while 57% said that it was not.
This is according to recruiting expert Hays which also revealed that in Malaysia, 47% of the survey respondents still believed diversity to be a barrier to career progression at their workplace.
“Considering that almost all respondents in Malaysia said they found a company’s diversity and inclusion policies and progress important to some degree with 61% saying it was ‘very important’ when evaluating a job offer, it is concerning to see that nearly half of respondents still believe diversity to be a barrier to career progression,” commented Hays Malaysia managing director Tom Osborne.
“Employers should continue to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion not just by enacting policies, but ensuring they are communicated and adhered to.”
Concurrently, a global survey of over 11,400 people was also conducted to find out whether professionals thought gender bias existed within their organisation and whether it was being addressed.
The majority of respondents (47%) said they thought there wasn’t an issue with bias within their organisation.
However, 26% said there was, and it’s not being addressed, whereas 16% said there was an issue with bias, but it was being addressed.
The remaining 11% of respondents were unsure as to whether there was an issue with gender bias within their place of work.
Hays conducted the survey in recognition of International Women’s Day, a global day which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The survey was designed to explore the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, which is #BreakTheBias, stating that whether it’s deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to progress.
“The existence of gender bias has been a feature in a number of organisations for some time and positive action has been taken to seek to address this,” Hays group head of people and culture Sandra Henke noted.
“It’s pleasing to see that progress seems to be being made in that almost half of respondents consider there to be no issue with gender bias within their place of work.
“However, 42% of those surveyed thought that there was gender bias in their regions. All organisations need to ensure that they are not being complacent when it comes to identifying and addressing the impact of bias.”
According to Henke, bias is still unfortunately very much alive in the workplace and is ingrained in how many of us think and act towards others, whether it is done consciously or otherwise.
“Bias inevitably likely affects our decisions as individuals and understanding that is an important step in eradicating bias within the workplace and wider society. There are a number of ways bias can present itself, so leaders must stay engaged on the topic.” – March 11, 2022
