Group of diverse team members meet together to share updates

Baker Tilly sponsors global study on gender, generation and care

In support of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Baker Tilly has joined forces with Coqual, a leading think tank and advisory group, for their newest study, Challenging Norms: A Global Analysis of Gender at Work.

In 2023, Baker Tilly sponsored the groundbreaking global study Strangers at home: The Asian and Asian American Professional Experience.

“At a critical juncture in global culture, the Challenging Norms study illuminates the complex interplay of gender identity, societal expectations around care and caregivers, and the ever-shifting landscape of the hybrid, matrixed and global workplace — all framed within the lenses of individual and collective experiences,” said Baker Tilly Chief Diversity Officer Shane Lloyd. “The data calls our attention to complex themes of gender and the all-too-often-forgotten but universal experience of being a caregiver.” Shane explains why it’s important for companies like Baker Tilly to support this kind of research.

“As leaders in our profession, it’s critical that we engage in deep reflection about equity and belonging. By furthering the systemic exploration of issues surrounding gender and caregiving that the Coqual study represents, we not only influence the conversation, but we also position ourselves as leaders in building coalitions and generating solutions.”

Shane Lloyd, Baker Tilly Chief Diversity Officer

Study highlights

The four-part study was conducted in eight global markets: the U.S., U.K., Japan, Australia, Brazil, India, South Africa and Germany.

Data collection focused on attitudes and behaviors around these themes:

Child care, elder care and self-care
Career advancement opportunities
Social interactions between managers and colleagues

The study also paid particular attention to the perspectives of non-binary and transgender professionals who have long been neglected in empirical research and reveals exciting data on younger generations’ evolving attitudes toward gender identity.

Opportunities for reflection and action

The report has generated conversations to help Baker Tilly further understand the complex interplay of gender and caregiving within our workforce, leading to fresh approaches and solutions.

“Like many organizations, we at Baker Tilly began our [diversity, equity and inclusion] DE&I journey with our first employee resource group focused on women,” said Shane. “As the dimensions of diversity — highlighted in this report — expand, we will continue to gain perspective on how to shape even more nuanced approaches and spaces for women, non-binary individuals and caregivers.”