Recent rollbacks to company diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives appear to be affecting women, including their career plans and subsequent job behavior, according to a Women in the Workplace Survey from Fairygodboss.
In a survey of more than 400 women, 79% said they believe recent news about companies and the federal government removing DEI programs will negatively affect opportunities for women.
Specifically, women said the rollbacks will influence pay equity and salary transparency (89%), protections against bias and harassment (84%) and leadership opportunities (83%).
In addition, 52% of women voiced concerns about job security or new job opportunities due to instability in the federal government, including DEI changes and funding cuts.
Half of women also said anxiety about the current changes has influenced their own career plans, such as being cautious about changing jobs, prioritizing job security over their career growth and seeking employers with DEI commitments.
Nearly half of women said they’re considering freelance or gig work for additional financial security. Around 2 in 5 are expanding their job search by location or industry and feeling pressure to accept lower pay or lesser benefits. About a third of women said they’re pursuing additional education or certifications as a backup plan.
Some women said the current political or economic climate has also affected their behavior at work, such as avoiding discussions about DEI or sensitive topics, networking in case of possible job changes, working longer hours to show commitment, taking less paid time off and going into the office more often.
Women still face COVID-driven disparities at work, according to a report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Flexible work options, child care support and skills training could help, the report found.
Amid DEI shifts, only 1 in 3 women say they feel empowered to perform at their best at work, according to a HiBob report. Mentorship seems to be lacking, the report found, with fewer than 10% of women saying they have a formal mentor at work.