48% Indian women feel unsupported in efforts to balance work & personal life

While globally, 43 per cent of women professionals are working in hybrid model, in India alone, 43 per cent of the working women are following the hybrid model. Does that mean Indian women are improving at managing work-life balance? Surprisingly not! In fact, in 2022, only about 36 per cent women felt they were not supported in their efforts to balance their work responsibilities with other commitments, but in 2023, the figure has increased to 48 per cent.

This year, women working in the hybrid mode in India are admitting that their experiences at work have become better than last year. Yet, over 30 per cent of the women surveyed for the Women @ Work report, still say they lack enough exposure to leaders, and 36 per cent feel excluded. Working women in India, who have embraced the hybrid model of work, report a lack of predictability and flexibility, as well as a lack of clarity around their employer’s expectations in 2023 than in 2022.

In 2022, 47 per cent Indian women said they did not have enough exposure to leaders, while in 2023, 32 per cent are saying so. However, in 2022, 61 per cent of working women felt excluded from meetings, decisions, and informal interactions, and in 2023, this percentage has come down to 36 per cent. On the other hand, in terms of flexibility, in 2022, 10 per cent women felt they were expected to go into the workplace despite messaging about flexibility and it being their choice. In 2023, this figure has increased to 36 per cent!

While a year ago, 13 women professionals felt they lacked enough flexibility in their working pattern, in 2023, a good 32 per cent feel so. Last year, 15 per cent working women felt their working pattern was unpredictable, but in 2023, things haven’t improved at all. In fact, now 28 per cent complain of an unpredictable working pattern in 2023.

When asked what their main reason for leaving their former employer was, 16 per cent Indian women said it was lack of flexibility around when they work, while 12 per cent said it was lack of learning and development opportunities. About 10 per cent said they quit because their role didn’t offer a positive work/life balance

When asked what their primary reason for wanting to leave their employer is, 26 per cent Indian women said it was lack of flexibility around when they work, while 26 per cent said their role doesn’t offer a positive work/life balance. About 19 per cent said the pay wasn’t high enough, which is why they would want to leave their current employer.

Is seeking flexibility looked down upon?

May be women seeking flexible options at work is not really encouraged. It is worrying that in 2022, about 94 per cent of working women felt that requesting or taking advantage of flexible working opportunities did affect the likelihood of promotion in their organisation. In 2023, the figure has increased, with 97 per cent feeling their promotion is likely to be affected if they seek flexibility!

In 2022, 90 per cent women professionals felt uncomfortable requesting for flexible working options fearing their workload may not be adjusted accordingly. This year, this figure has gone up to 95 per cent. So things aren’t really improving.