Women still experience more ‘negative behaviour’ than men in the workplace, research finds

Despite a declining incidence of discriminatory behaviour, a new report has found that women still experience higher rates of “negative behaviour” than men.

Reports of discriminatory behaviour in the workplace have fallen since 2021; however, within the past five years, 13 per cent of women reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace compared to only 5 per cent of men in the same time period, a new report found.

For its biennial report, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey Report, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) collected survey responses from 1,932 of its members to explore workplace harassment trends in the profession over time.

A work in progress

Ainslie van Onselen (pictured), chief executive at CA ANZ, said this data reveals the importance for workplaces to continue addressing negative behaviours, no matter the victim.

“First and foremost, to prevent harm being done to people, but to also ensure our profession is safe and inclusive, so it can appeal to a broad pool of talent,” van Onselen said.

Based on its findings, women were found to experience a greater incidence of negative behaviours compared to men, with 2.6 times more reports of sexual harassment, 1.6 times more reports of bullying, and 1.6 times more reports of being unfairly spoken over.

Alarmingly, the research revealed that one in five women respondents working in corporate Australia indicated that they were likely to leave their current industry due to a lack of inclusion, and/or discriminatory experiences.

Ongoing areas of concern

Over three in four respondents said their organisation values diversity of thinking, background, and experience with a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace culture, it found. In addition, workers who felt a sense of belonging and were valued reported higher levels of job satisfaction.

“While reports of discrimination have decreased overall, significant concerns also remain with member groups experiencing ageism, LGBTQIA+ exclusion and sexism,” van Onselen said.

This finding proves that inclusion is good for workers and organisations; however, despite overall declines in discrimination, “ongoing areas of concern” included ageism, LGBTI exclusion and sexism, van Onselen noted.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

She added: “Although ageism is more commonly reported by older respondents, there has been a spike in younger people reporting they have experienced it, particularly in Australia, where 18 per cent of women aged 18–34 say they have experienced it.”

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents supported the CA ANZ’s prioritisation of “at least one diversity, equity and inclusion initiative”, with education, advocacy, and practical tools being the most supported areas, CA ANZ revealed.

This support was strongest among women and younger respondents, it found – “reminding us that our future depends on creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” van Onselen said.