It is a concerning fact that, if present patterns continue, reaching gender pay parity may not occur until the year 2152. This translates to numerous generations before our great-great-great-grandchildren reach adulthood before this problem is resolved. Fortunately, the media, our social circles, and even the world of sketch comedy are now paying greater attention to this issue, which is a positive indicator of progress.
In spite of the significant focus on tackling gender wage inequality, there is still one aspect that requires further investigation. It is critical to determine a feasible plan of action to combat this problem. Unfortunately, the pay gap between genders remains an alarming average of 20%, because neither governmental nor corporate decision-makers have managed to implement any concrete measures to reduce it.
While the solution to the gender pay disparity may not be immediately apparent, that does not imply that one does not exist. Certain economists have postulated that job openings with adaptable scheduling and remote access opportunities could be contributing to diminishing the wage disparity in specific fields. Working from home can create a more impartial setting, which in turn could lead to more equitable wages for both genders.
Remote Work: The Key to Tackling Gender Pay Gaps
Throughout the past decade, several research studies have shown that companies that provide greater workplace adaptability typically have a lower gender pay inequality.
The Information Technology (IT) sector is a prime example of this dilemma. Unlike the gender pay gap of 76 cents per dollar earned by men in other industries, the IT field has one of the smallest pay discrepancies between genders, with women earning 96-98 cents per dollar earned by their male colleagues.
Achieving pay equity is a crucial problem for numerous companies, particularly those functioning in industries like healthcare and media, where job arrangements frequently offer more adaptability. However, some of the most significant discrepancies in earnings between genders can be seen in fields that require substantial face-to-face interaction, such as agriculture, mining, and the food service sector.
Eliminating Sexist Beliefs
The widespread adoption of digital communication has had a democratizing influence, allowing individuals who may not feel at ease participating in face-to-face conversations to communicate on an equal footing with their peers. As a result, this shift has led to a decrease in behavioural prejudices among remote employees, and by extension, between genders. Therefore, it has made progress in creating a more equitable environment.
Expanding into Further Industries
The significant correlation between remote work and gender pay parity is highly advantageous, but it is not necessarily a belief that is widely embraced. This is especially true in the business community, where productivity is still primarily evaluated based on physical presence rather than accomplishments.
Although working long hours may be prevalent in this industry, it can result in a phenomenon known as ‘flexibility stigma’, as identified by social scientists. Employees can be punished (or fear repercussions) for exercising their lawful rights to work remotely.
There is a clear and pressing need for a change in mindset. Experts agree that senior management must spearhead this transformation by assimilating remote work as a fundamental component of their company philosophy, rather than merely offering it as an employee perk. Therefore, it falls upon managers to alter their organization’s perspective on remote work.
As managers, it is vital to acknowledge the advantages of permitting greater remote work, as it is a crucial step towards reducing the gender pay gap. By doing so, you will not only be supporting a commendable cause but also enhancing the likelihood of attracting and retaining the most exceptional female talent in this industry. In the end, increasing remote work opportunities could prove to be advantageous for all involved.
If you are seeking to fill a job opening, please fill out our contact form with the pertinent information, and we will connect you with suitable candidates from the diverse applicant pool at Works. This is an effective way to do your part in narrowing the gender pay gap via remote work without any delay.
