New research shows women aren’t the only group facing discrimination in senior positions.
According to research by professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) women are not the only ones to find themselves up against an invisible barrier to advancement, referred to as the ‘glass cliff’ a variation on the ‘glass ceiling’.
Other groups including those based on age, disability, religion, ethnicity and parental status face similar challenges and can be even more acute, say the CIPD, than those faced by women.
Over 200 employees from diverse backgrounds in the UK and USA were quizzed as part of the research, which found that:
- Only 19 per cent of respondents said they feel it is easy to get ahead and leadership positions are open to them.
- Over half of the respondents feel they have to take risks to get ahead.
- Over three-fifths say they are placed in risky positions and are allocated hard-to-solve problems without being given adequate resources or support to complete them.
Dianah Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, said: “The ‘glass cliff’ is not specific to women but also affects those who do not meet the standard idea of a heterosexual, white male workforce.”
Worman went on to say that dependence on legislation is not the way forward.
“Research shows that leading edge employers on diversity don’t just seek to comply with the law but tailor good employment and working practices to support business goals.”
The CIPD advise organisations to focus on three core areas including managing differences, focusing on abilities and strengths and investing in diversity education.
