New study reveals next generation of workers hold employers to account for total inclusion in the workplace. Article by Debbie Klein, Group Chief Marketing Corporate Affairs Officer – Sky.
Over a quarter of British workers of all ages have experienced discrimination in the workplace. Generation Z (under 25s) are twice as likely to believe employers should do more to promote inclusion than Baby Boomers (over 55s). Almost one in three from Gen-Z believe a ‘glass-ceiling’ still exists, compared with one in six Boomers. Four out of every five workers in Gen-Z are aware of their company’s inclusion policies.
New independent research commissioned by Sky to mark National Inclusion Week has identified a huge gap in the way that different generations see equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace, with the bosses of tomorrow set to challenge workplace discrimination and put businesses on the path to inclusion.
Gen Z are almost twice as likely as Boomers to believe a glass ceiling exists and they’re twice as likely to question the status quo on equal opportunities too. Debbie Klein, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer – Sky, said: “There’s a new glass ceiling and it has remained unseen, but it seems Gen-Z have better eye-sight – they can see it, and they want to smash it.”
Employers have a duty to ensure their workplace fosters total inclusion, so it’s positive to find the newest members of today’s workforce are challenging barriers and committed to holding employers accountable. Debbie Klein added: “These results are shocking. It is time to take a hammer to the glass ceiling.”
“At Sky we believe great talent is as diverse as our customer base, which is why driving inclusion is at the heart of our business. We want to encourage other business to see that the best employees are those who can bring all of themselves to work. National Inclusion Week is an opportunity for employers to focus on this issue. It isn’t just about stopping discrimination – we also have to actively promote inclusion.”
Key stats
- 26 percent of British workers say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace
- Half (49 percent) of Gen-Z believe their employer should do more to promote and instill inclusion in the workplace, compared with just a quarter (26 percent) of those over 55
- Gen-Z are more comfortable calling discrimination in the workplace, as almost a third (29 percent) state there is a ‘glass ceiling’ preventing the progression for women and minority groups in their workplace – only one in six (16 percent) Boomers agree with them
- One in five under 25s also claim being a woman negatively affects the chances of securing a job or promotion – double the amount of over 55s (10 percent)
- Gen-Z identified multiple groups negatively impacted by an unequal workplace. One in five state being from a Black, Asian or Minority background reduces the chances of getting a job or promotion, compared to one in 10 workers over 55 and half (49 percent) of Gen-Z also believe the same for a disability, compared to a quarter (27 percent) of Boomers
- Four out of every five workers in Gen-Z are aware of their company’s inclusion policies, while one in three workers over 55 have no idea of what their company’s inclusion policies are. Those at the start of their careers are also confident embracing these policies, with nearly three-quarters (73 percent) stating they feel comfortable taking up policies such as flexi-time, carers’ leave, religious leave or support for a disability offered by their employer, , whereas one in three workers nearing retirement age are uncomfortable doing so.
