```html Women in Austria's Executive Suites Mostly Absent ```

In terms of gender equality, little is changing in Austrian companies. A recent survey by the consulting firm Deloitte for International Women's Day shows that women are still underrepresented in executive positions – and likely will remain so. This also affects salaries: the gender pay gap in Austria remains glaringly high and is significantly above the EU average.

Austria with One of the Highest Gender Pay Gaps in the EU

"Although the gender pay gap is getting slightly smaller year by year, the pace is far too slow," criticizes Elisa Aichinger, partner at Deloitte. According to Statistics Austria, women in Austria earned on average 18.4 percent less than men in 2022 (gross per hour). In comparison, the EU average is 12.7 percent. Only Estonia has a larger wage gap.

Little Willingness for Change in Executive Floors

Particularly striking: almost half of the companies surveyed do not plan to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions. One fifth also sees a lack of qualified women as a hurdle. "The executive levels in the Austrian economy have always been male-dominated. The survey shows no signs of an imminent change," says Aichinger.

For the study, a total of 501 company representatives were surveyed online between December 2024 and January 2025.

Measures for More Gender Equality Demanded

To promote gender equality, Aichinger believes that comprehensive childcare, the promotion of girls in mathematics and technical subjects, and mandatory quotas are necessary. "Companies, in turn, can achieve a lot with transparent processes around career and income development and create a corporate culture that promotes transparency, fairness, and performance orientation," says the Deloitte expert. Another lever towards income equality is seen by the study's authors in the EU pay transparency directive, which must be implemented nationally by 2026.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.