Here’s what the communications and marketing industry can do to bring more women back to work.
Women make up two-thirds (PDF) of the PR and communications industry. Yet, as Francis Ingham, director general of the PRCA, says, “The gender pay gap is real; entrenched; growing,” and needs to be addressed now.
In an industry made up of so many women, how can the gap be growing?
With the average age of PR employees being 29 years old, it does not take a genius to see what is happening, especially when that is the same age as the average American mother.
The latest BLS survey (PDF) shows a third of women in the U.S. are leaving their jobs when they have children. That means industries are potentially losing out on a treasure trove of top talent.
We are losing not only talent but money. It costs around twice an existing person’s salary to hire and re-train a replacement, so investing in robust retention strategies to bring back diverse individuals is paramount. This will ensure a well-balanced workforce that is better for companies’ bottom lines. So, what can the communications and marketing industry do to attract more women back to work?
Read PRWeek for more on how Returnships, Alumnae networks, family-friendly policies and flexible work options are examples of what can be done in the Communications and Media industry.