The advent of hybrid working is transforming opportunities for minority women to ascend to senior positions, enhancing equality and flexibility.
- Over 60% of minority women are pursuing promotions, showcasing a positive shift in workplace dynamics.
- Hybrid working has facilitated new opportunities for 73% of minority women, highlighting its pivotal role in professional advancement.
- A large majority, 67%, recognize hybrid work as essential in leveling the playing field for career progression and inclusivity.
- Hybrid working also enables a better work-life balance, proving particularly beneficial for women balancing professional and personal duties.
The widespread adoption of hybrid working is significantly impacting minority women in the workplace, providing them with unprecedented opportunities to pursue senior roles. According to a new report released ahead of International Women’s Day, over half of female hybrid workers, specifically 61% from minority backgrounds, are now more inclined to seek promotions or apply for senior positions. This shift underscores a positive stride towards workplace equality.
For nearly three-quarters of minority women, hybrid working has opened new doors that were seemingly inaccessible before. The research commissioned by IWG emphasizes how hybrid working is realigning professional landscapes in favor of women.
The report reveals that 67% of women believe hybrid working supports several UN Sustainable Development goals, including gender equality and economic growth. Furthermore, 70% think hybrid work has made jobs more inclusive, particularly for those identifying as LGBTQIA+, disabled, or part of an ethnic minority.
In particular, 86% of women with mobility disabilities find office-based jobs more feasible through hybrid measures, and 61% agree that such arrangements increase job inclusivity. This reflects a broader trend of adaptability and inclusion in the modern workplace.
Furthermore, 89% of women report enhanced work-life balance due to hybrid working, which minimizes commute times and enhances personal time for pursuits outside of work. Over 35% of women acknowledge that hybrid setups enable them to explore other career possibilities, including sector changes.
The findings indicate a broader awareness among women regarding their career trajectories, with hybrid working empowering them to make significant decisions. Around 43% have transitioned into new industries, with minority women attributing career growth to heightened productivity, better role understanding, and increased visibility with senior management.
Among those affected by mental health challenges, 27% have seen improvement thanks to hybrid working. A considerable 70% also perceive a positive impact on their career growth, aided by savings on commuting costs (38%) and increased productivity (24%).
Fatima Koning, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IWG, highlighted that hybrid working inspires inclusion, reshaping workplaces into equitable environments. Koning emphasizes that this transition, aligned with International Women’s Day themes, drives diversity and inclusion, offering women from diverse backgrounds a platform to excel professionally.
Hybrid working is effectively redefining professional landscapes, promoting inclusivity and career advancement for minority women.
