Maternity stalls job progression

The likelihood of a man being promoted after having children is more than double that of a woman, according to new research.


The Gender diversity report 2017, conducted by recruitment agency Hays UK, surveyed 5,400 professionals and found that 24% of men were promoted after having children compared with only 10% of women.


The majority (79%) of men either continued in their current role or moved into a more senior one after having children. In comparison, only 38% of female respondents either stayed in their current role or progressed their careers after having children.


After returning to work, a third (31%) of women went part time compared to just over a quarter (28%) who remained in the same position at the same hours they were doing prior to starting a family. Fifteen per cent of women resigned to look for more flexible work, and 6% became self-employed.


Up to 70% of respondents believed that there would be greater gender equality if more return-to-work programmes, or similar initiatives, were introduced.


Yvonne Smyth, head of diversity at Hays UK and Ireland, said the report highlights that the majority of women who do choose to continue their career after having children are less likely to be promoted or continue at the same level.


“For those returning to work after a career break, employers should look to improve the transition process so they feel they have the opportunities to progress their careers,” Smyth said.

www.hays.co.uk/leading-women/gender-diversity-divide/index.htm