75% of employers believe their industry does not view the gender pay gap as a problem

gender pay gap

Three-quarters (75%) of employer respondents believe that their industry does not perceive the gender pay gap to be a problem, according to research by global professional services organisation Lockton.

Its Global benefits forum survey report polled 400 HR directors and 400 employees within multi-national organisations of over 1,000 employees with a UK head office and a presence in Europe, US and Asia and working in the legal, energy, financial services or technology, media and telecommunications sectors. The study also found that 73% of overall respondents think their organisation does not have a gender pay gap.

The research also found:

  • 72% of overall respondents think that their organisation has already closed its gender pay gap.
  • 55% of employee respondents would consider an organisation’s gender pay gap when applying for a job there.
  • 74% of employer respondents require their employees to work outside of office hours, yet 26% of employee respondents believe this obligation would negatively affect their mental wellbeing.
  • 50% of employer respondents offer mental health resilience support, but only 37% of employee respondents believe that this is the case.
  • 74% of employer respondents provide health and wellbeing monitoring, however only 39% of employee respondents know these services are available.

Chris Rofe, senior vice president of UK and international benefits practice at Lockton, said: “This research offers a valuable window into the workings of multi-national organisations; how they operate, the challenges they face, and as a result, the means to futureproof their business for years to come.

“The perception gaps being created by evolving working practices, technology and demographics will continue to be areas of significant risk to multi-national firms looking to hire and retain the best talent in their industries.

“These gaps will only be solved by focusing on realities. By improving communications with their employees and taking a balanced approach to developing benefits packages, employers can put their best foot forward and confidently address the future workplace head on.”