Women are unique leaders. They bring a balance of empathy and expertise and brighten up an organisation they are a part of. In recent times, companies around the globe have seen and understood the importance of women in the labour market.
In the last decade, women in the labour market in India has risen significantly with the participation of women workers going further 41.5% high in 2021. Now as we begin 2022, the outlook of women in the labour market looks promising.
According to the statistics, women in the labour market will constitute about 51.44% in 2022 which is a 10% jump from the last year. As women skillfully continue to handle both work and home responsibilities, they are seen as the ones who play a key role in an organisation’s thirst for success and growth.
This does not mean that challenges don’t plague the women’s labour market. There continue to be stereotypes, biases and other constraints that make women’s participation in the workforce a major challenge. Especially in countries like India where cultural, mobility and other barriers often create slow participation of women in the workforce.
However, this has been changing rapidly and we are constantly witnessing increased participation of women in significant decision making and strategic positions. So, as 2022 is upon us, how is the women’s labour market taking form? Let’s take a look at key developments.
Flexibility
One of the most important ways in which women’s labour market will thrive in 2022 is by offering them flexibility. It is no surprise women wear multiple hats. They have to strike a balance between a plethora of responsibilities they have to cater to, and they do it with such grace.
As a result, when flexibility is offered to them, they will thrive further. If there is one thing pandemic has shown us is that flexibility goes a long way. So, women’s labour market will rise if their work participation continues to be centred around flexibility.
Leading The Way
For the longest time, women have been path-breakers. They have to lead their own way and emerged victoriously. As a result, 2022 will see a significant role of the women workforce in crucial decision making and thought leadership positions.
Women are also creating their own army of the driven workforce. From Nykaa to Mamaearth, women entrepreneurs are leading the way and creating imprints in the industry. As a result, women will not just be in the workforce, they will carve the workforce.
Shrinking the Pay Gap
We are moving towards an India where women in the labour market are thriving, however, we cannot deny the pay gap that continues to exist.
However, as the labour market is continuously and robustly realising the importance of women in the labour market, shrinking the pay gap becomes the next step.
A lot of organisations will focus on ensuring the women’s labour market is paid fairly and equally and the pay gap is expected to further shrink in 2022. Along with it offering proper support, training and development programmes so more women climb up the workforce ladder will also form one of the key developments in the women labour market in 2022.
PS- All views expressed are personal.
