KUALA LUMPUR, December 5 – The inaugural “Women in the Workplace: Asia” survey conducted by Asia-based tech travel company Agoda reveals significant generational differences in attitudes towards workplace inclusivity. The study, which collected insights from 12,000 participants across ten Asian markets, indicates that transparent visibility of opportunities, workplace flexibility, and access to opportunities are the top three actions companies must take to promote a gender-inclusive workplace, outpacing pay parity and parental support.
While transparent visibility of opportunities ranks as the most critical action overall, a breakdown by age groups exposes disparities, with only 38% of 18-24-year-olds citing it compared to 49% of those aged over 55. Gender also plays a role in prioritizing actions, as non-binary respondents are more inclined to focus on social inclusion, professional inclusion, and balanced representation within senior leadership. Despite 46% of survey participants believing a glass ceiling for women still exists in their market, there is optimism that the workplace environment has improved for women in the last five years.
Organizations looking to retain talent in Asia should consider creating cultures that prioritize social and professional respect while providing clear career paths and goals. Emphasizing balanced representation in leadership teams is essential, as it fosters inclusivity, aids talent attraction and retention, and enhances business results, according to Agoda’s Chief People Officer, Eliana Carmel. The study underscores the evolving dynamics of workplace inclusivity, particularly across generations, and the importance of diverse leadership teams in creating an inclusive and thriving workplace in Asia.
