What Women Truly Want in the Workplace: Insights from Professor Rae Cooper 

We recently had the honour of hosting Professor Rae Cooper at a session for our employer members, who shared invaluable insights into what women truly want in the workplace. Drawing from five years of qualitative research conducted by the Australian Centre of Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, Professor Cooper highlighted the nuanced needs and aspirations of women when it comes to their professional lives. 

Beyond Participation: The Demand for Quality 

Women are seeking more than mere participation in the workforce. They desire: 

• Good Jobs: Young women are highly invested in their careers, placing significant importance on job security and long-term career satisfaction. They expect their commitment and investments in their education and skills to lead to rewarding and stable employment opportunities. 

• Good Flexibility: Flexibility in the workplace is crucial, but it must be meaningful. Women want flexibility that is predictable, easily scheduled, and within their control. The current labour market often offers precarious flexibility, such as hourly work, which disproportionately affects women. 

• Good Care: The need for affordable and accessible care options is paramount. Women often feel forced to choose between their careers and family responsibilities, a choice they perceive as unjust. Better care solutions would alleviate this pressure and support a healthier work-life balance. 

Bridging the Gap: Men, Women and Workplace Realities 

The research reveals significant disparities between what men and women want and what they actually experience in terms of respect, job security and work-care balance. 

• Work-Care Balance: This area shows the most significant gap, with a 48% discrepancy for men and a 54% discrepancy for women between their desired and actual experiences. Notably, younger men are increasingly valuing a balanced career trajectory that integrates work with caregiving responsibilities. 

• Normalisation of Care: It is crucial for men, particularly, to openly discuss and embrace their caregiving roles. When men proudly share their experiences with parental leave and other care duties, it helps normalise these responsibilities and promotes a more inclusive workplace culture.

Sustainable Careers for All 

The importance of creating sustainable careers cannot be overstated, especially in male-dominated industries. Such careers should benefit individuals, their families, and the broader economy. Current stress levels among women, exacerbated by the pandemic, highlight the urgency of this issue. Women are often managing similar work hours as men while bearing a disproportionate share of caregiving and household responsibilities, leading to heightened stress levels. 

Advocacy for Inclusive Policies 

To foster a thriving work environment, we must advocate for inclusive policies, robust support systems, and workplace cultures that enable all employees to succeed. This is particularly critical for working parents and carers. 

Learn More 

For more detailed information, access the research from the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work here. Employer Members can view the event recording on the employer platform. If you are not an Employer Member, please email info@parentsatwork.com.au for access. 

If you would like access to the National Working Families Report 2024 complete this form. 

By understanding and addressing the specific needs of women in the workplace, we can move towards a more equitable and fulfilling professional landscape for everyone.