Attitudes towards work a barrier, a male breadwinner stereotype lives on

A difference in the way men and women approach work could be a major barrier towards future pay equality in the workplace, says Friends Provident in its Visions of Britain 2020, a report conducted with the Future Foundation (www.visionsofbritain2020.co.uk).

The report reveals that Brits think employment parity is a myth, with a third of the population accepting that wage equality will not be achieved by 2020 and could be in fact decades away.

When asked about pay expectations and views on work, the report finds stark differences between the sexes, revealing the extent to which current attitudes are acting as a barrier to future equality in the workplace. The findings suggest less drive and ambition amongst women when compared with their male counterparts, as well as reinforcing the stereotype that men play a 'breadwinner' role. The report reveals that:

* 24% of women consider salary to be the most important factor at work, compared to 37% of men.

* 23% of women would rather work less and be paid less - compared to 17% of men.

* Women cite enjoyment of work as most important to them, 50% rate this as the most important element of their job.

* One in five (20%) of women would be prepared to take a salary cut for more holiday entitlement, compared to just 10% of men.

* Over half of women questioned, 56%, would not move at all for their job. This compares to 40% of men.

The report also reveals ingrained attitudes amongst the population, revealing that 37% of Britons feel that women should be prepared to cut down on their paid work for the sake of her family. One in eight Britons also feel that men should have more of a right to jobs when they are scarce.

Gillian Fox, HR director for Friends Provident said:

"The report demonstrates an emerging difference between men and women's priorities in the workplace, which could impact the likelihood of reaching gender equality in the future. There seems to be an increasing demand from women for more flexible working hours, longer holidays and less call for higher salaries when compared to their male peers.

"Our research highlights the impact of these differing attitudes today on future workplace policies and retention strategies for businesses. With a growing number of women keen to work fewer hours, companies will have to consider how this impacts their productivity."

One million 'excluded'

Looking at the national picture, Visions of Britain 2020 found that Britain's workforce has reached a pivotal point and is polarising into two distinct groups - the elite and the excluded - which by 2020 will be the norm. This will have significant implications on employers and individuals, found the study.

The elite - workers in technical, professional and managerial roles - will command more power in the workplace than ever before, requiring employers to radically rethink how they attract and retain their specialist skills. Meanwhile nearly one million excluded workers - typically younger, unskilled males - face poor prospects and limited expectations. The research shows that the attitudes and choices of individuals are the major causes of this polarisation, alongside factors such as the recession and outsourcing.

An elite future

The report however reveals a bright future for the elite worker in 2020. All of the employment experts* who were consulted for the report agree that companies will have to work harder and offer more to attract and retain these elite workers in 2020. Employers will have to do so through making jobs more fulfilling and keeping their elite employees engaged, rather than through salary and benefits.

Trevor Matthews, chief executive officer of Friends Provident, said:

"Our new report paints a worrying portrait of the British workplace ten years from now. This workplace polarisation trend identified in our report could lead to a growing band of excluded workers. At the same time a new breed of elite worker is also beginning to emerge, who by 2020 will carry more power than ever before.

"The statement 'our people are our greatest asset' will take on a new meaning for employers in 2020. But all is not lost for those 'excluded workers' and through our report we hope to raise awareness and enable people to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them both now and in the future.