The gender pay gap isn’t just about salaries- it’s about the total compensation and opportunities women receive compared to their male counterparts. While salary increases are essential, benefits play a crucial role in creating true pay equity.
According to the Fawcett Society, women in the UK still earn 14.3% less than men on average. But when we look beyond just the paycheck, inequities in benefits, flexibility, and career progression further widen the gap.
Even when salaries are equal, differences in benefits can create financial disparities:
🔹 Unequal Parental Leave – Women are more likely to take time off for caregiving, often impacting long-term earnings and career progression.
🔹 Limited Flexible Working Options – Without flexibility, women may struggle to balance work and personal responsibilities, leading to fewer opportunities for promotion.
🔹 Lack of Career Development Support – Without access to mentorship, leadership training, or sponsorship, women can face barriers to higher-paying roles.
1️⃣ Equal and Inclusive Parental Leave
Offer parental leave policies that encourage equal caregiving responsibilities and remove stigma around men taking time off. Shared parental leave can help balance career impacts and create more balance at home.
2️⃣ Flexible and Hybrid Working
Hybrid work arrangements and flexible hours allow women to stay in the workforce without sacrificing career progression.
3️⃣ Childcare and Family Support
Providing childcare subsidies, on-site childcare, or family-friendly policies can help retain female talent.
4️⃣ Pay Transparency and Clear Progression Paths
Ensure pay structures are fair and visible, and provide women with clear career progression pathways.
5️⃣ Leadership, Coaching and Peer Support Programmes
Invest in leadership development to help more women move into senior roles. At Netwomen, we provide coaching, leadership courses, and peer support opportunities to help women advance in their careers and close the gap. And we help you get a sponsor. Someone who advocates for you when you aren’t in the room where decisions are being made.
Closing the gender pay gap requires a holistic approach that looks beyond base salary. By improving benefits, organisations can create a more equitable workplace and support long-term financial stability for women.
Want to take action? Netwomen works with businesses to create equitable workplaces through leadership training, DEIB consultancy, and memberships designed to support career growth. Find out more at 📧 hello@netwomen.co or visit 🌍 www.netwomen.co.
Want to chat? hello@bypinky.com. If you want to Create your Killer Mindset for 1:1 leadership and executive coaching
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