About 69% Salaried Women Choose Salary, Career Advancement When Taking Job: Report
About 69 per cent of salaried women prioritise salary and career advancement when choosing a job, while 42 per cent of self-employed women value independence and flexible working hours, according to a report published by DBS Bank in collaboration with Crisil. The report is based on a survey of 800 salaried and self-employed women across 10 cities in India. Interestingly, remote working is not a high priority among salaried women, with only three per cent deeming it essential.
The report underlines the gender disparities in the workplace, with a perceived gender pay gap of 23 per cent among salaried women at a pan-India level. Affluent women, earning between Rs 41 to 55 lakhs per year, reported a higher perception of the gender pay gap at 30 per cent, compared to 18 per cent among semi-affluent women earning between Rs 10 to 25 lakhs annually. Similar trends were observed regarding the perception of gender bias in the workplace.
Kishore Poduri, Managing Director and Country Head - HR, DBS Bank India, emphasised the importance of encouraging women's active participation in the workforce. He stated, "Insights gleaned from the study can empower organisations to understand women's aspirations better and tailor strategies that align with their preferences."
The report delves into regional variations, stating that 42 per cent of salaried women in metros face challenges in negotiating salaries. Kolkata stands out, with 96 per cent of salaried women facing no challenges in negotiating pay, while only 33 per cent in Ahmedabad share the same sentiment. Similar disparities are observed in Chennai and Hyderabad.
Regarding policies and initiatives preferred by salaried women, unmarried women show a greater appreciation for mentorship and career development opportunities compared to their married counterparts. Regional variations highlight the diverse needs of women, with preferences for mentorship, childcare support facilities and extended maternity benefits varying across cities.
The report goes beyond workplace dynamics, providing insights into women's lifestyle preferences, spending habits and well-being. Despite busy schedules, 66 per cent of female earners in India's metros prioritise health, with 32 per cent dining out or ordering food more than once a week. Married women challenge the stereotype, taking three to five leisure trips a year, twice as many as their unmarried counterparts. The survey findings further reveal that 39 per cent of women from this segment have high credit card spending in discretionary categories namely travel and shopping, compared to the pan-India average of 33 per cent.
