Become a member
  1. Press
  2. Press Releases
Automatic translation
This article has been translated automatically using computer technology. While we strive for accuracy, some wording or details may differ from those in the original article.
This translation was not manually reviewed. For important facts, quotations or legally sensitive information, please consult the German original. Individual selections, images, embedded media or technical terms may have been translated differently or incompletely.

Press Release No. 24/2015 IG Metall Study: Women Still Disadvantaged in the Workplace

IG-Metall-Fahnen
Foto: IG Metall

6 March 2015 6 March 2015

Frankfurt am Main – Even in 2015, women in Germany still do not consider themselves on equal footing with men. That is the finding of a recent study by IG Metall released in honor of International Women’s Day this Sunday (March 8). According to the survey, 78 percent believe that there are areas in which women are disadvantaged. Even among men, 75 percent of those surveyed share this view. The disadvantage is particularly pronounced in the workplace, especially regarding pay and compensation for work (74%) and the filling of leadership positions in business (69%).

“Half of those surveyed believe that women feel disadvantaged overall in their professional lives,” said Christiane Benner, executive board member of IG Metall. This reflects the objective reality. As examples, IG Metall cited the 22 percent pay gap and the low number of women in leadership positions. “Companies must improve career advancement opportunities for women and also ensure greater transparency regarding what men and women earn. When a sense of injustice arises, it’s not good for the workplace atmosphere,” said Benner.

According to the study, the biggest problem remains the lack of work-life balance. The vast majority of all respondents (73%) believe that children continue to be a stumbling block for women in the workplace and make it difficult for them to pursue their careers. Respondents see the following as the most effective measures for promoting women in the workplace: better childcare options (85%), more family-friendly work schedules for mothers and fathers (84%), more part-time options for mothers and fathers (80%), and the option to temporarily reduce weekly working hours (75%).

IG Metall intends to incorporate these findings into its work. “We will strengthen employees’ interests in achieving a better work-life balance by introducing new approaches to work scheduling,” said Benner. The union representative calls for a change in corporate culture, one in which career advancement is possible even with a reduced weekly workweek, as well as for managers who advocate for part-time employees. Politicians must—even though initial progress has been made in this area—create a comprehensive system of childcare services.

Subscribe to the newsletter