MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The gender pay gap continues in Australia, according to a new survey of over 1,400 Australian workers conducted by leading HR and Payroll solutions provider ADP. The ADP® Research Institute's People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View, reveals that in Australia, women's salary increases are failing to keep up with men's – moreover, they anticipate a continuation of this trend in the year ahead.
According to the survey, Australian pay rises in the past 12 months averaged 5.7% for men, compared to only 4.4% for women. In the next 12 months, men expect to see their pay increase by an average of 6.3%, while women foresee an increase of just 5.2%.
Not surprisingly, women are more inclined than men to perceive themselves as being underpaid for their work, with 60% of women expressing this belief, in comparison to 56% of their male counterparts.
Kylie Baullo, Managing Director ANZ at ADP, comments: "Despite the ongoing discussions regarding the gender pay gap, this data demonstrates that the disparity continues.
"This is particularly worrisome given the current economic challenges Australian workers are facing across all industries. People are grappling with genuine financial difficulties including the in utility prices and interest rates, and it is disheartening that women are not being paid in a way that enables them to contribute equally to household expenses.
"With Equal Pay Day falling on 25 August it is an opportunity for employers to assess any existing inconsistencies and inequalities in employee pay. In doing so, employers can create a more equitable work environment, enhance staff morale and engagement, retain talent and ultimately drive organisational success."
Older Australian workers also believe they'll be overlooked by their employers when it comes to pay rise and bonus awards in the year ahead.
More than half (58%) of Australian Generation Zs (18-24-year-olds) expect to receive a pay rise in their current company in the next 12 months, compared to only 34% of those aged 55 and over. Similarly, 21% of Gen Z believe they're in line for a bonus, compared to 16% of those approaching retirement age.
Mrs Baullo says, "Failing to recognise the value of experienced workers is likely to have long-term consequences. Overlooking these individuals may lead to the loss of vital knowledge and skills as they seek better pay and conditions elsewhere."
People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View explores employees' attitudes towards the current world of work and what they expect and hope for from the workplace of the future.
