Study highlights leadership gaps, workplace barriers, and sectoral imbalances

Women continue to make up just 26 per cent of India’s workforce, a figure that has remained unchanged for three years, according to the ‘India’s Best Workplaces for Women and DEIB 2025’ report by Great Place to Work India.

The study showed a steep decline in female representation as seniority increases. Women account for 28 per cent of entry level roles, but only 19 per cent at front line manager level, 16 per cent in mid-level positions, 15 per cent in executive ranks, and just 8 per cent at the chief executive level. Researchers described this as the “broken rung” in leadership progression.

Career breaks after maternity, rigid work structures and opaque promotion systems were identified as key barriers. Industry-wise, women constitute nearly half the workforce in non-profits 47 per cent and 41 per cent in education, compared with only 12 per cent in transportation and 13 per cent in biotech and pharmaceuticals.

The report also underlined persistent everyday challenges for women in mid-management. Respondents cited exclusion from decision-making, male-dominated workplace culture, and inadequate post-maternity support. Around 22 per cent reported difficulties in maintaining work-life balance, while others pointed to stress caused by micromanagement and rigid hybrid work policies.

The report noted that diverse and inclusive organisations outperform others in innovation, retention and productivity. Women in such workplaces reported 8 per cent higher satisfaction with fairness and benefits. The report cautioned, however, that progress will depend on leadership accountability, measurable diversity targets and equity-driven policies.