New report reveals how women are adapting in the absence of flexible work arrangements.

A new report from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) reveals that over half of women in public relations feel they lack equal opportunities for career advancement compared to their male peers. As a result, many are creating strategies to balance their personal lives within an "always-on" work culture.

The study also found that nearly two-thirds of women in PR have experienced gender-based discrimination or harassment. Those who advance to senior roles report developing "workarounds" to cope with limited flexibility at work.

Despite these challenges, most respondents still view PR as a rewarding career. Stephen Waddington, director at Wadds consultancy and report author, notes that the industry's culture places unrealistic expectations on women, creating pressures to prove their worth and navigate gendered double standards.

Aceil Haddard, founder of Matt PR communications agency, stresses the need to focus on data-driven discussions around equality rather than softer topics, particularly in light of global political influences. "I think there is a lot of comfort in the circles of power that Trump's denigration of women enables them to maintain the status quo and keep the power.

"The discussion of equality needs to move away from the soft stuff, onto facts, figures and money." 

The report, sponsored by the CIPR Research Fund, calls for leadership development programs and flexible working arrangements without career penalties to address these issues.