Culture Amp: Only 75% of women executives feel respected, compared to 100% of men

100% of C-level men feel respected in the workplace, compared to just 75% of women.

That’s according to new research from Culture Amp, which surveyed 1.7 million employees, including 18,000 graduates, 142,000 managers, and 8,800 C-level executives.

Furthermore, women at all levels experience performance management, progression, and recognition remarkably differently from their male peers.

In an exclusive conversation with Culture Amp’s Chief Marketing Officer Julie Knight, and Lead People Scientist, Devshree Bhatt, UNLEASH finds out more. 

Men and women experience the workplace differently

Although 100% of men report that they believe the workplace is equitable, only 80% of women agree. This is particularly prevalent in the C-Suite.

In fact, women represent less than one third of C-level executives in global organizations. Not only are they outnumbered, but they also face challenges that Culture Amp found male employees to be untroubled by. 

Earlier in the year, UNLEASH previously found in an exclusive conversation with Tech Talent Charter, one in three women want to leave their current role, further stalling diversity.

Expanding on this, Culture Amp’s Bhatt says: “The gap in feeling respected between women and men in leadership is striking.

Respect must begin in the boardroom and hopefully these findings urge organizations to reflect and act on creating a truly equitable experience for women in leadership positions.”

Knight adds: “Equality isn’t just about having a seat, it’s about having a voice that’s truly valued. Companies that champion inclusion unlock the full potential of their leaders, and themselves. 

“Less than 90% of women in the C-suite feel their voices are valued, compared to 100% of men. This exclusion comes at a cost.” 

As men and women have starkly different experiences of the workplace, Culture Amp’s data suggests that women in C-suite positions are uniquely connected to employees. 

The report suggests that this can allow them to be better attuned to areas of the business that need improvement, while providing them with a more grounded perspective of issues. 

Expanding on this, Bhatt adds: “The notion that women in leadership positions are more connected to the experience of those deeper in the organization – compared to their male counterparts – should serve as a reminder that diversity of representation at the top, does raise the bar and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

Culture Amp’s research also found that the representation of women drops the further up the career ladder they climb.

Women occupy 46% of managerial positions but only 39% of vice presidents roles and account for just 30% of C-suite executives.

Highlighting the importance of these findings, Knight says: “Women at the table bring a keen eye for improvement, a byproduct of often being overlooked. But progress comes at a personal cost. 

“Companies with diverse leadership are more profitable, yet women leaders navigate a system that stifles their insights.

“It’s time to dismantle these barriers and unlock the full potential of our talent pool.”