May 26, 2020 | Simone Taylor, Susan Spilka, Kristen Monahan, Isabel Mulhern, and Jeri Wachter
The Workplace Equity Project (WE) conducted a global survey in 2018 to map the parameters that define the scholarly publishing landscape, understand the drivers for change, and recommend solutions for delivering improved outcomes. Results find that there are imbalances in diversity inherent in the workforce (96% with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, 76% female, 83% heterosexual, 81% White, and 89% report no disabilities) and that outcomes diverge for respondents based on their gender and ethnicity, highlighting distinct inequities in the workplace. The leadership profile is more male (33% vs. 21%), and more White (91% vs. 81%) than the sample as a whole. Moreover, those respondents with characteristics more reflective of the leadership profile are more likely to report that they believe they are fairly compensated, recognized by the leadership, and have fair opportunities for advancement. The article recommends improvements to current practice in recruitment, sponsorship and advocacy, and staff retention to drive change towards creating a more equitable, inclusive workforce.
Published by Learned Publishing
