McKinsey and Co.’s “Women in the Workplace” report continues to be vital to HR’s understanding of women at work. The 2023 report is the ninth annual one; since the pandemic, the report has detailed women’s attrition from the workplace in particular.
3 key takeaways from Women in the Workplace 2023:
Women of color remain underrepresented in leadership.
Microaggressions have a “macro” impact.
Women with disabilities and LGBTQ+ talent reported higher rates of workplace disrespect than their male counterparts.
The 2023 report shows that women of color are barely represented in the corporate workforce — even less so at higher levels of the corporate ladder. McKinsey researchers even highlight how the “glass ceiling” may be an archaic DEI myth. Instead, HR and employers should think about the “broken rung,” which keeps women of color from moving up into management positions.
Women in the Workplace 2023: Representation by role
McKinsey's report broke down representation in each of the following roles, indicating a "broken rung" for women of color.