Women's Sense of Belonging Makes Their Workplace 'Great’: Great Place To Work Report

Great Place To Work® has unveiled its 2024 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women Report, highlighting a pivotal factor for women’s success in the workplace—a strong sense of belonging. The report reveals that women who feel a sense of belonging are 6.2 times more likely to experience a great workplace and 3.1 times more likely to have career growth opportunities. This positive correlation underscores the importance of fostering workplace cultures where women feel valued and empowered, helping to counteract the challenges posed by stagnant gender representation and barriers to leadership.

In recent years, significant strides have been made in increasing women’s representation across multiple industries. From 2021 and 2023, women's workforce participation steadily increased, reaching 26%, but has since plateaued in 2024. While this represents progress, the report highlights those efforts to further close the gender gap, particularly in male-dominated industries such as technology, manufacturing, and transportation, are still essential. However, sectors like education, non-profits, and charity organizations have become shining examples, boasting nearly 50% female representation.

One of the key findings of the report is the critical role of leadership in advancing gender equality. While there remains an 11% gap in women's representation from mid-level managers to CEOs, this challenge is being actively addressed by forward-thinking companies that are investing in leadership development programs specifically tailored for women. Companies with strong mentorship and sponsorship programs are seeing positive results, helping women navigate their career paths and gain confidence in their leadership abilities.
On this note, Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work®, India, said, “In today's dynamic business landscape, we've long recognized that when people feel truly supported and valued, businesses don't just survive—they thrive. This rings especially true for women in the workplace. By fostering environments that prioritize flexibility, equity, and inclusion, we empower all employees to bring their full potential to work every day.
However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Despite years of progress, women's representation in the workforce has plateaued at 26%, with a mere 16% in executive or C-level positions. More concerning is the declining workplace sentiment among women, signaling a growing disconnect in their work environments.

Our research unequivocally shows that when women experience a sense of belonging, they are 6 times more likely to consider their workplace great. This stark statistic underscores the immense potential waiting to be unlocked in organizations that prioritize inclusivity and equality.
As we launch India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2024 report, we celebrate the companies leading the charge in creating truly inclusive environments. These organizations understand that championing women isn't just about meeting quotas—it's about cultivating a culture where everyone can thrive.

To all the winners of India's Best Workplaces for Women: congratulations on setting the gold standard. Your commitment to fostering environments where women feel valued, heard, and empowered serves as an inspiration and a call to action for us all. Together, let's continue to build workplaces where every individual, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential.

The report goes on to reveal a significant perception gap between women and their male colleagues, particularly when it comes to issues of fair compensation and recognition. Despite making up a substantial part of the workforce, only 65% of women feel they are receiving an equitable share of their company’s profits. This underscores the need for organizations to address such blind spots with greater transparency and fairness. To sustain trust, it’s about creating a culture where women can thrive, with sufficient representation, equitable experiences, and meaningful inclusion at every level.
Here are some of the best workplaces for women recognized for their exceptional culture and employee satisfaction, listed in no particular order:

Large Size Organisations:
⦁    Capgemini Technology Services India Limited
⦁    Ford Motor Private Limited
⦁    Aegis Customer Support Services Private Limited

Mid-Size Organisations:
⦁    Pitney Bowes India Private Limited
⦁    Coca-Cola India Private Limited
⦁    ABC Consultants Private Limited
The findings of the 2024 report shed light on both the strides being made and the areas that require more effort. It’s clear that organizations excelling in fostering inclusive cultures are reaping the benefits of better retention, innovation, and overall employee satisfaction. These Best Workplaces demonstrate that when women feel empowered, the entire organization thrives. While the journey towards complete equity is ongoing, the commitment of these companies to break down barriers for women signals a brighter future for all.