Insights from Deloitte’s “Women @ Work: A Global Outlook 2024”
In its fourth iteration, Deloitte’s “Women @ Work: A Global Outlook” continues to explore the complex landscape of challenges and barriers that women encounter in the workplace. This year’s report, drawing on responses from 5,000 women across 10 countries, offers a stark reflection on the state of gender equality and workplace inclusivity.
Persistent Challenges and Mental Health Stigma
The 2024 report underscores a persistent theme: the significant mental and physical health challenges faced by women, which are exacerbated by high stress levels and extensive working hours. Despite some improvements in workplace flexibility and hybrid work models, many women still report feeling excluded and undervalued, which contributes to ongoing mental health concerns.
The Impact of Domestic Responsibilities
One of the more pronounced findings is the impact of domestic responsibilities on women’s careers. The report highlights that women continue to bear the brunt of household and caregiving duties, even when they are the primary earners. This unequal distribution of domestic labor not only affects their mental health but also limits their career advancement opportunities.
Health Challenges and Workplace Support
Health issues related to menstruation, menopause, and fertility were reported as significant concerns that affect women’s work attendance and performance. The stigma surrounding these issues often prevents women from seeking support or taking necessary time off, impacting their productivity and well-being.
Safety and Inclusivity in the Workplace
Nearly half of the respondents expressed concerns about their safety at work, citing experiences of harassment and microaggressions. This indicates a critical need for workplaces to enforce stronger policies that protect women and promote a culture of respect and safety.
Gender Equality and Organizational Change
Interestingly, the report identifies a small segment of workplaces known as “Gender Equality Leaders,” where women feel supported, safe, and valued. These organizations are characterized by their proactive approaches to fostering gender equality and supporting women’s career advancement.
Looking Forward
The findings from Deloitte’s report serve as a call to action for organizations worldwide to reevaluate their policies and practices concerning gender equality. Creating supportive, inclusive, and equitable workplaces where women can thrive is not just a moral imperative but also a business one, as diverse leadership has been shown to correlate with better overall performance.
Deloitte’s “Women @ Work: A Global Outlook 2024” is a crucial resource for understanding the barriers that women face in professional environments and offers valuable insights into how these challenges can be addressed. For a deeper dive into the report and to explore detailed findings, read the whole report: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/women-at-work-global-outlook.html
FinLit Month: Conversation with Founders Maura Cunningham & Sallie Krawcheck Introduced by Ashley Leftwich
Ellevest and Rock The Street, Wall Street founders, Sallie Krawcheck and Maura Cunningham, led a candid discussion on the crucial benefits of young women investing. They break down the power of investing, the importance of financial independence, and what it’s like to be a woman in the financial industry. With Ellevest now managing over $2 billion in women’s wealth and RTSWS bringing the M in STEM to diverse high school girls across 25+ cities in 3 countries, this discussion includes colorful stories from the past and bright insights into the future. RTSWS’ Ashley Leftwich introduces this important conversation, celebrating Financial Literacy Month in April and throughout the year.
The Alzenia Project Celebrates FinLit Month with RTSWS & Ashley Leftwich
In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, we’re excited to spotlight an article from The Alzenia Project featuring Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS). The article highlights RTSWS’s vital role in incorporating financial literacy into STEM education for diverse high school girls.
Ashley Leftwich, COO at RTSWS, shares insights on the importance of financial education to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. Under her leadership, RTSWS has expanded to over 25 cities and has profoundly impacted over 6,000 young women by equipping them with essential financial skills. The full article includes a detailed Q&A with Leftwich, discussing the motivations, challenges, and successes of RTSWS’s initiatives.
Read the full article to learn more about how RTSWS is empowering the next generation through financial education.
Maura Cunningham, Lipscomb Alumni Recognized for Leadership & Community Impact
Lipscomb University recognizes key Alumni for leadership and community impact who were featured in the Nashville Post’s In Charge 2024 list. Alumna Maura Cunningham, founder and CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street is featured along with other instrumental leaders who are “making Nashville a thriving city and the best it can be.” This recognition celebrates influential leaders across Nashville, highlighting Cunningham’s significant contributions to finance education through RTSWS.
The article highlights that Maura is a former financial professional, who founded RTSWS over a decade ago to inspire young girls to pursue careers in finance. As she and her team bring the M in STEM to diverse high school girls with a focus on Financial & Investment mathematics, she demonstrates impactful leadership and community influence.
