Gender Equity in the Workplace: Why Men and Women See It So Differently

The Divide on Gender Equity

Gender equity in the workplace remains a pressing issue and workers aren’t aligned on whether progress has been made. According to Monster’s latest poll, men are far more likely to view their companies as equitable, while women see significant gaps.

• 71% of men think men and women are paid the same at their workplace, while just 28% of women agree.
• 67% of men believe employees receive equal opportunities at work, compared to only 33% of women.
• 64% of men feel they are treated equally to female colleagues, yet just 37% of women agree.

These disparities highlight how lived experiences shape perspectives on fairness, opportunity, and treatment across genders.

Do All Workers Receive Equal Opportunities?

When it comes to career advancement and access, men and women see the workplace through very different lenses.

• 60% of women believe men get a seat at the table more often, while only 12% of men agree.
• 19% of men say women get a seat at the table more often, just 4% of women agree.
• Among non-binary, gender-fluid, or agender workers, 12% agree they don’t get a seat at the table as often as others, a significant decline from 2023.

This data underscores ongoing challenges around visibility and representation for women and gender-diverse employees.

Confidence in Leadership

Despite inequities, many workers feel confident in their own leadership potential:

• 56% of women and 50% of men believe they could do their manager’s job better than them.

This shared sentiment suggests workers are hungry for more growth opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to leadership.

What Women Value Most in the Workplace

When asked what benefits they prioritize, women emphasized fairness, opportunity, and support:

• 87% want fair and equal wages.
• 68% want a clear vision for their future career path.
• 38% value maternity leave and/or childcare benefits, up 13 points from 2023.
• 35% prioritize female mentors.
• 16% value fertility and/or family planning services.

The Perspective of Non-Binary and Gender-Fluid Workers

Workers who identify as non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, or who prefer not to disclose their gender generally report higher levels of equity:

• 69% believe pay is equal where they work (up from 57% in 2023).
• 63% feel treated equally to colleagues.
• 53% say opportunities are distributed fairly.
• 52% believe they could do their manager’s job better.

These numbers suggest that while progress is being made, disparities still persist across gender identities.

Why It Matters

The divide between men’s and women’s perceptions of fairness points to a need for stronger equity measures, transparent pay practices, and intentional career development programs. Employers who bridge this gap can better attract and retain top talent, especially as workers, become more vocal about the importance of equity and inclusion in company culture.

Methodology:

This poll was conducted by Monster in February 2024 among more than 1,500 U.S. workers across industries and experience levels. Respondents were asked about their experiences with misleading job descriptions, employer transparency, and personal honesty during the application process. The survey reflects the perspectives of employed and job-seeking individuals in the United States, offering insights into both candidate and employer behaviors in today’s labor market.

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