Burnout and home life causing more women to consider quitting their jobs

One-third of women would quit due to exhaustion, according a new survey. Photo: Stock image

Sarah Collins

Two-fifths (40pc) of Irish women have considered quitting their jobs in the last year because of burnout and family responsibilities.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, a survey of 1,500 working-age adults by jobs site Indeed found that one-third (33pc) of women would quit due to exhaustion, rising to 55pc for those aged 45 to 64.

Nearly one-quarter (22pc) said they were finding it too difficult to balance work and home responsibilities, rising to 37pc for women aged 35 to 44.

“Particularly striking are the high numbers of women considering leaving the workforce due to lack of support, which emphasises how vital it is for employers to do more to create a working environment that is supportive,” said Glenda Kirby, vice president of client success at Indeed.

“Having a seat at the table isn’t enough if workers don’t feel like they belong there.”

Read more

While a majority of both men and women feel there is equal pay in their workplace, 30pc of women feel men are generally paid more at their company, compared to 17pc of men.

Later this year, Irish-listed companies with more than 250 staff will have to report on the difference between men’s and women’s average (and median) hourly wages and bonuses – and explain why any gaps exist.

German retail giant Lidl today becomes the first retailer to publish gender pay data, announcing a 6.2pc average (or ‘mean’) gender pay gap for 2021.

The figure is down by one-third from 8.8pc in 2020 and is lower than the Irish average of 11.3pc (and 14.1pc in the EU).

Lidl said there was no difference between men’s and women’s median hourly pay – the midpoint between the highest and lowest pay – but said it is taking further measures to eliminate differences among its 5,000-strong Irish workforce.

Lidl offers flexible working hours, talent and mentoring schemes, compassionate leave, enhanced maternity leave and menopause support.

“We strongly believe in the positive impact that a zero gender pay gap can have, not only on our own colleagues, but Ireland’s society and economy,” said Lidl Ireland’s chief people officer and board executive, Maeve McCleane.

Eir, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB are among the Irish companies to publish voluntary gender pay-gap reports, while Dalata Hotels and Ryanair have published reports under UK law.

Read more