6 out of 10 Office Workers Say "There Is Gender Discrimination in Promotion and Placement"

by Koo Nari

Published 02 Mar.2025 19:25(KST)

Differences in Perceptions: 76.5% of Women vs. 48.6% of Men

Six out of ten office workers responded that gender discrimination exists in promotions and job placements.

6 out of 10 Office Workers Say "There Is Gender Discrimination in Promotion and Placement"

On the 2nd, Workplace Bullying 119 announced the results of a survey on 'Perceptions of Gender Equality and Discrimination in Promotions and Job Placements,' conducted by the polling agency 'Global Research' from the 10th to the 17th of last month. The survey targeted 1,000 office workers nationwide aged 19 and older. According to the results, 61.1% of respondents said there is a difference between men and women in workplace promotions and placements. Notably, among the respondents, 76.5% of women (477 people) answered that there is a difference, while 48.6% of men (553 people) responded similarly. Additionally, 81.3% of female non-regular workers (241 people) reported discrimination in promotions and placements, drawing attention.

When asked about the 'causes of discrimination,' more than half of the respondents (57.1%) cited 'male-centered practices and organizational culture.' This was followed by ▲ career gaps due to pregnancy and childbirth (38%) ▲ glass ceiling for women (18.5%) ▲ low trust from managers toward women (18.2%), in that order.

Kang Eun-hee, attorney and chairperson of the Gender Bullying Special Committee at Workplace Bullying 119, pointed out, "Although the Equal Employment Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination based on gender and parental leave, discrimination in the workplace still persists."

Also, when scoring perceptions related to gender equality on a scale of 0 to 100 points, the results were ▲ National Assembly 46.8 points ▲ local governments 47.7 points ▲ media 47.8 points ▲ central government 48.1 points ▲ workplaces 51.1 points ▲ courts 51.9 points ▲ schools 59.2 points. This indicates that gender equality levels are generally considered low across various sectors of society.

Workplace Bullying 119 emphasized, "It has been 36 years since the Equal Employment Opportunity Act prohibited gender discrimination in employment and discrimination due to parental leave, but discrimination in the workplace still exists," adding, "Active responses from the Ministry of Employment and Labor against violations of the law, along with measures to eliminate discrimination, must be promoted." They also urged, "Since the overall gender equality index in society is at a failing level, active efforts for gender-equal personnel management are also necessary."