A new report reveals that 25% of individuals have noted an alarming increase in extremist right-wing attitudes or actions in their place of work. The initial section of the yearly Workplace Equality Report, undertaken by Matrix Recruitment, was made public on Tuesday. This survey, carried out in August, received responses from 1,283 Irish adults who hold positions across a diverse variety of industries, sectors, and geographical areas.
Upon enquiring how this far-right bias manifested itself, 63% claimed there was a significant upsurge in prejudiced comments and jests at their jobs. Almost half stated their co-workers were downplaying or disregarding proven facts involving bigotry towards minority communities. 48% reported observing coworkers propagating inaccurate information, false information, and/or conspiracy theories. Over a third expressed their colleagues showed outright resistance towards the promotion of inclusion and diversity within their workspaces.
However, 74% of the workforce affirm there is a discrimination problem at their jobs. Among these individuals, a third had been direct victims of discrimination, whilst over a quarter reported seeing and experiencing discrimination in their workplaces.
A striking 57% claim their career growth has been hindered due to bias, while 77% of workers either left their jobs or thought about leaving as a result of this issue. The survey indicated that gender discrimination at work, recorded at 36%, was the most frequent type (an increase from 25% in 2023). This was subsequently followed by compensation and age discrimination (33% for each category) and racial discrimination (25%).
37% of the surveyed employees reported they are aware of a colleague of the opposite gender who has equivalent duties, yet receives a higher salary. Among these respondents, 41% were females, in contrast to 18% males.
When questioned about the existence of a “glass ceiling” for females in the industry, nearly three quarters (72%) believed there was one. However, over a third (37%) believe things are improving, albeit at a slow pace.
Regarding progression opportunities, nearly two-thirds of the survey participants (62%) believe men enjoy more chances. However, over a third said (35%) that they believe opportunities between genders are equal.
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