Randstad Study Reveals Gender Disparity in Workplace Discrimination

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 4 June 2024

In the recent report by Randstad, Discrimination and Ageism at Workplace, they outline the deep-seated challenges experienced in the modern world by different demography. According to the study that was taken from 1000 participants, 42% of the female part and 37% of the male part of the participants reported the existence of workplace discrimination. For everyone, seconded ageism as a significant problem; it emerged as particularly acute in certain industries including pharmaceuticals and health care and life sciences (43%), business process outsourcing / ITES (43%), and construction infrastructure and real estate (41%).

The analysis of the data shows that women are hit even harder with the numbers of incidents having come up to 42 % with the men having it at 37 % proving the fact of gender and age discrimination. As per the survey, 31% percent of the employees see age discrimination being practiced in workplaces. Still, 42% of people below the age of 55 said they were discriminated against based on age, while only 29% of a 55-year-old population affirmed the same.

The report also reveals that age discrimination is more pronounced in India-based MNCs at 41 percent than in the MNCs having headquarters in other countries at 28 percent. In addition, 56% of employees in Indian MNCs stated that it was difficult to work with people of different age group and only 30% MNC employees agreed to it. Employees’ worry with regard to layoffs because of age is also high, with 45% of employees in Indian MNCs being worried on this aspect compared to 27% of those in other organizations. Another issue is that of fair compensation where 27% of the under-35 population seems dissatisfied.

The problem is especially affecting the young employees as 73% of them reported that they feel less included compared to 87% of senior employees. This exclusion inhibits their capacity to be genuine at workplace. Additionally, perceptions about technological competency vary by age: 24% of senior employees feel that they are discriminated, while 16% of the junior employees also consider that they are discriminated because they are regarded as being less reliable. Furthermore, 29% of the respondents believe they miss out on managerial positions because they are young and below 35 years.

Viswanath PS, the MD & CEO Randstad India one of the leading HR solution providers of the world, called for the end of ageism and implementation of non- discriminating practice that would welcome mature employee that come with experience and young talent that will bring new ideas. Portea Medical’s Chairperson and Co-Founder, Meena Ganesh, discusses the benefits of integrating young professionals and exchange knowledge with elderly customers in order to design successful strategies for the future. It work supplement is crucial to engage employees of different age bracket with a view of optimally utilizing their skills in organizations in order to improve their performance.