International Women’s Day: the “second glass ceiling” affecting women’s careers 

By Rebecca Douglas, co-founder of The Well Crowd

As organisations mark International Women’s Day this weekend, much of the conversation will focus on leadership representation and closing the gender pay gap. But research suggests another challenge is quietly shaping women’s careers: whether they can remain in the workforce long-term. 

A report from the British Standards Institution (BSI) highlights what it describes as a “second glass ceiling” – structural barriers that affect women’s ability to sustain their careers over time. 

Unlike the traditional glass ceiling, which focuses on progression into senior roles, the second glass ceiling relates to career longevity. It reflects the point at which experienced women leave the workforce earlier than planned, often due to a combination of health challenges, caring responsibilities and workplace structures that fail to adapt. 

According to BSI’s research, around one in five women expect to leave the workforce before retirement age, a trend that has remained broadly consistent in recent years.  

For employers grappling with skills shortages and workforce retention, the implications are significant. 

Evolution of the workplace 

Women now make up a substantial proportion of the global workforce, yet many workplace systems still reflect assumptions about linear careers and uninterrupted availability. 

BSI’s report highlights how women’s careers often intersect with a range of life stages including menstruation, pregnancy, fertility challenges, perimenopause and menopause, alongside broader physical and mental health considerations. 

While these experiences vary widely, they can influence working patterns and career decisions. The report suggests that organisations that fail to acknowledge these realities risk losing experienced professionals. 

Flexibility remains a key factor. Nearly eight in ten women say they want flexibility around where or when they work, while four in ten say flexible arrangements would help them remain in the workforce longer.  

Growing awareness  

In recent years, conversations around women’s health and wellbeing at work have become more visible. Policies addressing issues such as menopause and menstrual health are emerging across many organisations. 

BSI’s research suggests awareness of these policies has increased significantly. In 2023, only 7 per cent of employees globally said they were aware of workplace policies addressing women’s health issues, compared with 44 per cent today.  

Despite this progress, confidence remains limited. According to the report, only 43 per cent of women believe their generation will receive the flexibility and support needed to stay in the workforce as long as men.  

A workforce challenge as well as an equality issue 

For organisations focused on productivity and talent retention, the loss of experienced women represents more than a diversity challenge. 

The BSI report suggests factors such as health considerations, caring responsibilities and workplace flexibility all influence whether women remain in employment long term. 

This is particularly significant as many economies face ageing populations and growing pressure to retain skilled workers. 

What next?  

International Women’s Day has long focused on the barriers women face in reaching leadership roles. But the concept of the second glass ceiling suggests the next challenge lies elsewhere: whether women can remain in work long enough to reach those roles at all. 

The question for employers is no longer only about progression. It is about sustainability. 

If organisations continue to design work around uninterrupted careers and constant availability, they risk losing experienced women at the very stage when their expertise is most valuable. 

The second glass ceiling is not just a gender equality issue. It is a workforce issue, a productivity issue and increasingly a leadership one. And until organisations confront it directly, progress at the top will remain fragile. 

To read and download the full report please visit: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/whitepapers/future-of-work-lifting-the-second-glass-ceiling/