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- Have any questions?
- 02 7200 2179
- media@commsroom.co
Career breaks, workplace harassment, and ageism limit career growth, while many organisations fail to offer proper support. Although some progress has been made, significant barriers remain.
Career breaks often put women at a disadvantage, affecting promotions, salaries, and seniority. Nearly two-fifths of women in public relations have taken a break, with senior professionals more likely to do so than mid-level or junior-level staff. In-house PR professionals take more breaks than agency workers, while freelancers are the most affected.
Childcare and mental health are the most common reasons for career breaks, followed by education, caring duties, illness, and relocation. On average, women take eight months off, yet many return to work facing setbacks. More than a third receive lower pay, while the same percentage are forced into lower positions.
Shockingly, over half of PR organisations lack return-to-work programs, leaving women without essential support.
Workplace harassment is still widespread, with 52% of women in PR reporting misconduct. This issue is especially high in education PR, entertainment and creative PR, public sector PR, and financial services PR. Psychological and power-related harassment are most common, but sexual harassment has increased from 27% in 2023 to 33% in 2024.
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Alarmingly, bosses are the most frequent perpetrators, yet only 37% of victims report incidents, down from 46% in 2023.
Fear of career repercussions is the top reason for underreporting, while others lack awareness of reporting procedures.
Despite 66% of organisations claiming to have policies in place, many women remain uncertain about their rights.
By age 50, only 36% of women in PR expect to remain in the same sector, with agency professionals the least likely to stay. Many leave due to work-life balance concerns or limited opportunities for older women.
Women face key barriers to leadership, including childcare responsibilities and a lack of flexible work policies. While flexible work arrangements are declining, compressed hours are becoming more popular. Encouragingly, 80% of PR professionals believe female boardroom representation boosts creativity and productivity, but more action is needed.
To close the gap, organisations must improve flexible work policies, mentorship programs, and leadership pathways. By addressing these challenges, the PR industry can create a fairer and more inclusive workplace.
The full report from GWPR can be accessed here.
