NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Now more than ever, women view progress in the workplace as having more women in leadership roles, flexible work environments, and eliminating of the gender wage gap, according to a new survey commissioned by Citi in partnership with LinkedIn as part of the Citi Women initiative in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The survey gauged attitudes of professional women across LinkedIn at the manager level or above from Colombia, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States.
Indicators of Progress in the Workplace
Women across all markets consider themselves to be successful (64% overall across markets). Women in Mexico (79%), Colombia (77%) and the U.S. (68%) led respondents in feeling they had achieved their goals and consider themselves to be successful, while approximately half of women in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singapore felt this way. Across all markets, the majority (60%) of women are optimistic that the gender gap is closing.
When considering what indicators signify progress for women in the workplace – respondents noted the number of women in leadership roles (36%), flexible work environments (24%) and elimination of the gender wage gap (22%). Respondents in Latin American countries value flexible work environments more so than other countries (31%), while Asian countries are more likely to want to see women in leadership roles (47% in Hong Kong, 41% in Singapore).
Women over 45 are more likely to consider their jobs as a career (61%) compared to younger women (38%). However, when it comes to career progress, advancement and rising to a leadership position, Millennials exhibit the greatest desire to do so. The vast majority of Millennials (93%) indicate they are looking to progress in their careers, 85% are always looking for career advancement opportunities and 55% plan to rise to a leadership position.
Balancing Work and Life
Most women cited managing career and family as a major concern (62%), noting that their work-life balance could improve. Women under 45 express the most concern for their work-life balance, as they navigate the workplace and personal lives. The desire for flexible work environments was also highest among women under 45 (26%).
When it comes to the career aspect of “having it all”, climbing to the top of the corporate ladder is not essential. Approximately 70% or more of women in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States agreed that having a job they enjoy and where their work is valued is enough – versus rising to the top of the corporate ladder. Having enough money to enjoy life was extremely important to women (88% overall), and most important to women in Hong Kong and Singapore.
For professional women who are the primary breadwinner in their household, this responsibility gives them a sense of pride (41%). Among the survey respondents, women in the United States and United Kingdom are more likely to make more than their husbands or domestic partners. Women who make more income than their spouses often make 50% or more, which is driven by older women (55+) who likely have more established careers. Being the primary breadwinner does little to impact gender dynamics in the household, as the majority of women who are breadwinners (67%) do not feel that their husbands or partners are threatened by their role. However, roughly half of women who are the primary breadwinner wish that their partners did more around the house, particularly in Hong Kong and Mexico. Women in the United Kingdom were least likely to feel their spouse plays a bigger role in their children’s lives, which may be related to more prevalent part-time work in this country.
About Citi Women
Citi Women is a corporate-wide diversity effort that seeks to unlock the combined potential of women by building on existing recruiting efforts and increasing female mobility and development.
Throughout March, Citi is celebrating the contributions of women to Citi and the role they play in defining the company’s progress and future. More than 200 events are taking place in 90 countries, including focus on professional development, mentorship and sponsorship, work-life balance, health and wellness, community outreach, gender equality, innovation and technology, and the education of women and girls.
Survey Methodology:
The 2015 Today’s Professional Woman Report survey was conducted by LinkedIn in January 2015 among a sample of 1,972 Professional Women LinkedIn members at the manager level or above from Colombia, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States.
About Citi
Citigroup, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citigroup provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
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