Female talent is not yet being fully utilized in the workplace

At the same time, opportunities and experiences in the workplace are not the same for everyone. In recent years, the Women & Work Desk, an initiative of the Driessen Group, has observed a recurring pattern. Through conversations, research, and practical experience, the same conclusion consistently emerged: on average, women experience less job satisfaction, take more sick days, and have less sustainable career growth than their male colleagues. This is not due to a lack of ambition, but because their talents are not always fully realized within work systems that do not always align with today’s reality.

Prompted by these findings, the Women & Work Desk developed an inspiration guide for organizations. As part of this initiative, Markteffect conducted research into what women need to truly thrive at work. We also explored where opportunities lie for organizations to better identify, develop, and utilize female talent.

Women Less Happy at Work Than Men

On average, women rate their job satisfaction at 7.3. Men rate theirs at 7.6. Within the group of women, we also see differences based on job level. Women in operational roles rate their job satisfaction at an average of 7.2, while women in senior management roles rate theirs at 7.8.

On average, women rate their job satisfaction at 7.3. Men rate their job satisfaction at 7.6. Within the group of women, we also see differences based on job level. Women in operational roles rate their job satisfaction at an average of 7.2, while women in senior management roles rate it at 7.8.

Being Able to Be Yourself

Being able to be yourself at work is not a given for everyone. Among women, 71% say they can be themselves in the workplace, compared to 76% of men. In addition, more than half of women (52%) say that expectations from their social circle and personal circumstances influence their ambitions and career choices.

Furthermore, 44% of women feel that topics such as pregnancy, motherhood, menstruation, and menopause are not sufficiently open for discussion within their organization.

Persistent Prejudice

The results show that existing stereotypes about women still persist in the workplace. This is not about actual differences, but about perceptions: how men and women view statements about women in work contexts.

It is precisely in these perceptions that clear differences become apparent. For example, men are more likely to attribute less objectivity, stress resilience, and ambition to women. These perceptions can influence opportunities, expectations, and evaluations within organizations.

About This Study

For this study, we surveyed 2,027 working adults aged 18 and older in the Netherlands, including 1,027 women and 1,000 men. Among other things, we examined job satisfaction, opportunities for professional development, the role of leadership, and the conditions necessary for women to thrive in the workplace.