First of a Five-Part Series Examining Workplace Culture
BOULDER, Colo. (January 28, 2019) – Today, Camber Outdoors released the most comprehensive report on workplace sexual harassment and discrimination in the active-outdoor industries to date. The report is the first of five installments examining the state of gender equity in the active-outdoor industries. In addition to sexual harassment and discrimination, the study will explore workplace values, leadership and advancement opportunities, balancing family and career, and equity in compensation.
“The business case for diversity is clear. Research shows it leads to better performance, more innovation, and stronger economic growth, said Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors, “The opportunity to increase trust and inclusion culturally must be addressed before we are able to fully realize the benefits of diversity. Today’s report shows that there is room for improvement.”
Drawing on data from more than 1,500 respondents, the report shows that there is a stark difference between how men and women perceive efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming culture. The report confirms that sexual harassment and discrimination continues to pervade the workplace. Thirty percent of women in the active-outdoor industries have directly or indirectly experienced bias or harassment at their company. This is on par with national statistics reported in 2018 by McKinsey and Lean-in in which 35% of women in corporate America experience sexual harassment at some point in their careers. And while most companies have policies that make it clear sexual harassment is not tolerated, only 31% of women believe that reported harassment will be handled appropriately.
“Today, companies are aware of the business imperative of greater diversity throughout their organization,” Buck continued. “We are hopeful that with this information companies will understand the way forward for employees to feel safe and respected as foundational to a culture of inclusion.”
Fostering an environment where all employees feel included and respected starts at the top, with a visible commitment by leaders. That means modeling behavior that communicates that sexual harassment is not acceptable, in addition to promptly handling reports of harassment decisively. National research states that women who believe that disrespectful behavior toward women is often quickly addressed at their company are 44% less likely to think about leaving their job. Creating a culture of belonging and trust is a critical component of any successful retention and advancement strategy of women employees.
ABOUT THE STUDY & METHODOLOGY
State of Gender Equity in the Active-Outdoor Industries is the largest comprehensive study of the state of gender equity in the active-outdoor industries. In 2012 and 2017, Camber Outdoors has conducted a workplace perceptions survey of over 1,500 respondents in the outdoor, bike, run, and snow industries. The study focuses specifically on five areas that represent potential hurdles with respect to gender equity and women’s leadership: Workplace Values; Leadership and Advancement Opportunities; Balancing Family and Career; Equity in Compensation; and Discrimination and Sexual Harassment. The findings provided in the survey serve as an educational tool for companies to prioritize resources that will accelerate equity and inclusion internally, as well as inform Camber Outdoors’ programmatic offerings.
About Camber Outdoors
Founded in 1996, Camber Outdoors is the hub for advancing career opportunities, leadership and entrepreneurship to inspire an outdoors, truly for everyone. Envisioning a future of “Everyone’s Outdoors”, it is a national organization dedicated to achieving equity for all womxn and underrepresented communities in the workplace of the active-outdoors industries, through innovative and thought-leading programming and initiatives, including industry keynotes, the CEO Outdoor Equity Pledge, Pitchfest, Camber Exchanges, and a cross-industry/company Mentoring Program. Over 200 corporate and 7,500 individual members support equity through Camber Outdoors.
To learn more about Camber Outdoors please visit camberoutdoors.org and follow them on social media.
