The top 10 issues holding employees back at work

Professional training company Roar Training analysed the most common issues that are holding UK employees back at work and discovered just how much needs to be addressed.

Focusing on everything from ambition being seen as a bad thing to unhealthy company culture, their research shows that the reasons why UK employees aren’t getting ahead are varied, but unfortunately not all that surprising.

Top 10 Issues Holding Employees Back At Work

1. Unhelpful stereotypes
2. Ambition seen as a bad thing
3. Differing views on satisfaction between genders
4. Unconscious bias
5. Unequal pay structure
6. Working hours
7. Company culture
8. A lack of career progression
9. Minimal training and support
10. Lack of role models

Read on to find out how multiple factors you didn’t even consider are holding UK workers back.

This has been known for a while now. In fact, a 2015 article by Independent spoke of how female board members were tied to unrealistic expectations based on unhelpful stereotypes. They reported that a government study revealed that women are more likely to be referred to as bitchy, emotional and bossy than their male colleagues.

The survey of 1,000 female and 500 male small business owners showed that over half of respondent heard female bosses referred to as ‘bitchy’ and ‘emotional’ compared to just one in eight male counterparts. Less than a quarter of men had been described as ‘bossy’ compared to almost 40% of women.

2. Ambition seen as a bad thing

Attributes displayed by men are often viewed differently when displayed by women. This is stopping countless hard-working women getting ahead in their careers.

Forbes recently reported that there is an issue with likability in the workplace. It stated that women who are not assertive and fit the gender stereotype of being gentle and kind, are more liked in the workplace but not considered for leadership roles. On the other hand women who display more “masculine” traits such as assertiveness and ambition are labelled as bitchy, unfeminine and aggressive, and so generally disliked. Men do not face the same issue because being bossy is generally considered a leadership skill for men.

3. Differing views on satisfaction between genders

Satisfaction at work can mean a variety of things. It’s a very personal issue. However, during their investigation Roar Training found that views on satisfaction in a job role also differ between genders.

Forbes reported that men tend to take chief satisfaction from financial reward and position, whereas women want to enjoy the quality of their days at work. So it seems that a one size fits all approach isn't catering for everyone when it comes to attracting and retaining staff.

4. Unconscious bias

Research suggests that unconscious gender bias affects workplace feedback and advancement. In an interview environment women tend to be judged on their experience, whereas men are more likely to be judged on their potential.

Studies have shown that interviewers are more to likely question women more than men about their ability to balance and work life. A survey of 4,010 young mothers aged 18-30 showed that 39% had been illegally asked in job interviews how being a mother would impact their ability to work.

5.Unequal pay structure

The gender gap shows no sign of equalizing any time soon. Many women are paid considerably less money than their male counterparts with the same skillset and experience.

A recent report by BBC revealed just how unequal pay structure is in the UK. In fact, further analysis shows that nearly eight in 10 firms, 78%, have a pay gap in favour of men, while 8% of companies reported no pay gap at all.

Data from National Business Research Institute shows that talking to your employer about salary, in most cases, won’t increase your salary. However, sharing evidence such as your experience, improvements in performance and examples of increased knowledge work less desirable, yet higher paying shifts and have a higher chance of success.

6. Working hours

A recent survey of 1,000 employees by Adler showed that 48% of employees listed flexible working as their top desired workplace perk. 

British employees work some of the longest hours in Europe. You could be forgiven for thinking this was to deal with peak periods or emergencies. However, research shows that a high percentage of UK workers work more than 10 hours over their contracted hours on a regular basis.

The result is exhausted employees. Studies show that when employees exceed more than 55 hours a week cognitive performance, for example emotional intelligence skills, problem solving and capacity to reason, and work engagement levels dramatically decline in line with the quality of the work produced.

7. Company culture

Studies show that 53% of employees feel that the culture of their workplace is holding them back from doing their job more effectively. In fact, a further 53% stated that they would consider moving jobs unless their organisation changes. 

8. A lack of career progression

Studies show that women are more likely to be promoted by other women than men. This has been put down to issues such as inherent bias.

A year-long study by Cambridge University of 5,814 UK employees (54% men and 47% women) found that workplace culture was creating a barrier to career advancement for women. In fact it was shown to be a bigger issue than balancing work and family life.

9. Minimal training and support

Many employees are struggling to advance at work because companies are failing to prioritise the right training. A study by The Hartford showed that the training that employers were looking for most in millenials was written and oral communication skills, yet this training was one of the subjects being neglected the most.

10. Lack of role models

Without role models in the workplace many employees can feel directionless and without the proper support. This is the case for many women.

Studies show that only 297 of FTSE 100 board members are female, and only 13 CEOs and 21 Chairs in the FTSE 350 are women. It therefor falls to senior men and women to champion the inclusion of role models at work. For example, the Guardian reported that this should include policies such as childcare and flexible working practices for both men and women.

Commenting on the findings Kirsty Hulse, Founder of Roar Training said: “Our findings are just the highlights reel of the large mass of issues UK employees are experiencing every single day.

“We seriously need to invest time and effort into listening to our employees and putting steps in place to address these concerns. Fail to do so and your employees will make their thoughts known through absence or taking their skills elsewhere.

"Men becoming better allies will also be key to changing organisational culture and making women feel more comfortable at work and allow them to thrive.”