How Do We Achieve Equality in the Workplace?

Only one in four companies fully supports the women’s strike, which presents opportunity for HR departments in achieving equality within companies, especially important considering a recently highlighted gap in wages between genders. In other news, young people feel often unprepared for the labor market. The profile of Uber drivers is examined in depth. Read your weekly roundup here!

Representatives Research Ways to Close Salary Gap Between Men and Women

Federal legislators warn that women earn around 34 percent less than their male coworkers. In sports, the gap widens to over 200 percent. Initiatives from the chamber of deputies propose to change the federal labor law, and establish   that women and men in the same function will have to earn the same salary.

Next week’s strike could provide opportunities to close the gap and switch roles in favor of women in companies. Mauricio Reynoso, Amedirh’s Director General says that the visibility of the movement provides a great opportunity for HR departments to highlight gender-based issues on the work floor and foster more understanding.

Only One in Four Companies Openly Supports Strike on 9th of March

According to a Survey from Mercer, 11 percent of companies are not prepared and therefore unable to operate without female staff. Only 25 percent of companies support the initiative and will not count it as a day off. Notably, Mercer estimates that 4 million women nationwide will not be showing up to work.

Mexico Business News supports the initiative. Seeing as 58 percent of our employees are female and many support the movement, we encourage our clients to be understanding and show solidarity in case of inconveniences. You can see our communication here.

El Economista provides some tips that can alleviate any negative effects for your company. These include staying informed as an employer about the plans of your employees, taking initiatives in filling the gaps and finding ways to make up for lost time.

Only 69 Percent of Young People in Mexico Feel Prepared for Jobs: OCDE

The survey suggests many feel unprepared to enter the labor market, suggesting that educational institutes would have to step up their game and provide more hands-on education regarding working life. Furthermore, while 80 percent of young people believe technology will provide them with new opportunities, 60 percent believe that they will need to study again to make up for these technological changes.

Who Drives Your Uber in Mexico?

A study from the Inter-American Development Bank shows us that the average driver is 38 years old, four children, has other employment on the side and has no insurance. Added to this, Mexican drivers tend to work more than 30 hours a week driving their cars. This is 8 percent more than other countries such as Chile, Colombia and Brazil. The estimate is that they earn US$12 per hour, although pensions are complicated and sometimes even nonexistent in a driver’s future.

As for Uber Eats, which is typically delivered by drivers on bikes instead of in cars, the company announced a plan to motivate its workers. It includes scholarships and awards, among other benefits, based on a point system. These improvements are meant to tackle concerns about workers being ‘stuck’ in the gig economy, with no hope for promotion from their current position.