Work bias reported by 76% of Filipinas — survey

by Victor V. Saulon, Businessworld, May 12, 2017

ABOUT three in every four working women in the Philippines still feel discriminated against in the workplace, Monster.com said in a survey that also showed some of the biggest challenges faced by wives and mothers at work.

“Workplace discrimination is still rife in the Philippines, with an alarming 76% of female respondents admitting they deal with inequality and prejudice on a daily basis,” said Monster.com, which provides online solutions for both employers and job-seekers.

The survey, which had more than 2,000 respondents across Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, was made in time for the celebration of Mother’s Day. At least 900 professionals responded locally.

“Despite 84% of Filipino women believing both men and women have the same opportunities to advance in their careers, 69% are planning to look for a new job within the next 12 months. The main reasons for this are financial concerns (40%) and needing more flexible working arrangements (17%),” said Monster.com in a statement.

It said the survey was conducted in each market “to understand the unique challenges and barriers working mothers face in their careers.” The study also focused on what employers are doing to help women re-enter the workforce, it added.

“Lack of sufficient support from the workplace sometimes makes it a challenge for women to juggle both work and family commitments. Many still struggle with the physical and financial demands of raising a child, and would prefer support from their employer that can integrate both their needs for childcare and financial compensation,” said Sanjay Modi, Monster.com managing director for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Monster.com said discriminatory behavior in the office plays a part in Filipino women’s happiness at work. It said 39% of women believe they were passed over for promotions because of their gender, while 18% say they experience things like being “talked down to” by their boss, or being called names such as “bossy” (16%).

Of the respondents, 17% have been questioned about their desire to start a family during the interview process, indicating that this is still a factor in many employers’ hiring decisions.

“However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Happily, Filipino women reported some of the best flexible working arrangements in all of Southeast Asia — a whopping 68% are able to use flexible hours, while 43% also have the option to work from home,” it said.

“This is positive news for mothers, who reported they often feel ‘held back’ in their careers because they made a choice to start a family (29%),” it added.

Mr. Modi said even for highly qualified women, getting back into senior roles after a long absence can be a challenge.

“Apart from employers working towards more flexible and family-friendly policies, we also need women in powerful positions to push for change so employers can incentivize and alter workplace practices that may encourage women to return after childbirth. Over time, this career interruption can have a lasting effect, including fewer opportunities for advancement and a widening gender wage gap,” he said.

Monster.com connects employers with quality job seekers at all levels. It provides personalized career advice to consumers globally. Its parent firm, Monster Worldwide, Inc., has a local presence in markets in North America, Europe and Asia. —