Women are still earning an average of 5% less than men in management functions in Belgium, according to the latest research by Randstad
In some 25% of companies in Belgium, women in management functions still earn an average 5% less than men. The figure takes into account comparable functions and ages of the employees.
The latest study by HR expert Randstad compared the salaries among more than 1,000 companies. “We see the difference particularly in leadership positions,” says Wouter Beuckels of Randstad, who offers two explanations for the phenomenon.
“Only one-quarter or one-third of management positions are held by women,” he says. “This means that fewer women are also involved in making decisions about salaries or promotions. In addition, we also see that women negotiate their salaries less frequently. As a result, they are less likely to get the best deal.”
Belgium postpones EU guidelines
The pay gap is less acute in functions outside of management. “In those cases, representation is more equal, and the gender pay gap falls under that 5% margin,” says Beuckels.
He points out that large companies with more structured pay scales have far less of a gender pay gap than small and medium-sized companies.
The EU has been trying to tackle the gender pay gap in companies for some time and has drawn up guidelines requiring companies to be more transparent about salaries. “Incorporating these guidelines into Belgian law was postponed by six months last June,” notes Beuckels. “Due to the uncertain economic situation, companies may have less budget available to address the gender pay gap.”