Gender diversity in research: still not good enough
Last week, to our delight, Opinium was announced as the 2nd best workplace for women in the UK (small category).
This new accolade is a fantastic achievement for our team, but not one that I am surprised Opinium has been recognised for. We work in an environment inclusive and supportive of all people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity. However unfortunately our ethos isn?t yet reflected industry-wide.
In January 2018, the Market Research Society published their report ?Inclusion in the Market Research Sector? and brought to our attention issues with gender equality in our industry. Even though 59% of our industry are female it was reported that 47% of women working in market research said they had felt negatively discriminated against because of their gender in their current company and a further 40% didn?t think their company was doing enough to ?accommodate and support? people of all genders.
The market research industry is one that prides itself on helping clients understand and represent the views of all people. It is therefore extremely disappointing to know that a large proportion of this workforce have felt negatively discriminated against because of their gender, especially for a young woman like me in the first few years of her career.
Luckily, this isn?t the case at Opinium. Our survey results from the main Great Place to Work survey show we are paving the way when it comes to gender equality in our sector with 100% of all employees believing ?people are treated fairly regardless of their sex?.
The best workplace for women awards were judged on pay, recognition, training, promotional opportunities as well flexibility and employee benefits. Along with each of these things, our partnership scheme, employee engagement and the female role models that have shaped our environment meant that Opinium was awarded the 2nd place in the UK (small category). I am proud to work for an organisation that encourages diversity, treats people equally and one where I feel I can fulfil my career aspirations completely irrespective of that fact I am a woman.
We are immensely proud to be flying the fairness flag for not only females in our industry, but for all people.
Carolyn O?Meara
Senior Research Executive at Opinium
