A recent survey has revealed that approximately two-thirds of women encounter sexism in the workplace, with one in ten reporting they face such treatment on a daily basis. The findings also indicate a significant disparity in perception between genders: 62 percent of women acknowledge the persistence of workplace sexism, while 38 percent of men believe it no longer exists.

The survey, conducted among 2,000 adults by Co-operatives UK, highlights a range of common experiences reported by women. Nearly half (49 percent) said they were frequently tasked with duties unrelated to their job descriptions, such as booking meeting rooms or making drinks. Other reported behaviors include being interrupted or talked over (38 percent), mistaken for an assistant or asked to make tea for senior colleagues (20 percent), and being requested to clean the workplace (21 percent). Additionally, 15 percent of women indicated they had been asked to wear specific clothing as part of workplace expectations.

The poll found that women are more likely than their male counterparts to feel their authority is undermined, a sentiment shared by 58 percent of female respondents. Furthermore, 35 percent of women reported needing to work harder than men to be taken seriously. More than one-third believed male colleagues were treated more favorably, and 23 percent observed instances where men received higher pay for doing the same work.

Despite the prevalence of these experiences, only 21 percent of those who witnessed or faced workplace sexism chose to report it to human resources departments. Of those who did take action, 27 percent said the issue persisted despite the complaint.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, commented on the findings, stating that they underscore the ongoing need for progress toward workplace equality. She emphasized that everyday sexism—manifesting in behaviors such as being underestimated, sidelined, or underpaid—remains widespread. Marley called on businesses, including co-operatives, to actively address these issues to foster work environments where all employees feel respected, valued, and capable of succeeding.