Despite HR being traditionally seen as a female-dominated field, women in this sector report high levels of discrimination, including being spoken over by male colleagues, appearance-based scrutiny and pressure to downplay femininity, according to new research.
A survey by Superdrug Online Doctor, based on a survey of over 2,000 women, has ranked the UK’s most and least sexist industries for 2025, noting the extent of gender bias and workplace challenges experienced across multiple sectors.
HR was identified as the second most sexist industry, with IT and Telecoms topping the list. Nearly half of respondents in HR cited inadequate workplace support for their health and wellbeing.
The report ranks industries based on women’s experiences of being patronised, discriminated against or held back in their careers due to gender bias or female health needs. Within HR, 86 percent of respondents said they had been spoken over by a male colleague, the highest proportion across all industries surveyed. Additionally, 78 percent reported being patronised by a male colleague, and the same percentage indicated they had been dismissed by one.
Concerns over gender bias and health support in HR
Women in HR have also reported high levels of appearance-based scrutiny, with 44 percent feeling their appearance was judged more critically than that of male colleagues. Over half, at 52 percent, said they felt compelled to downplay their femininity at work in order to be taken more seriously. Almost one in four, at 22 percent, reported being advised to delay or avoid pregnancy or fertility treatments to safeguard their career progression, with 8 percent stating this advice came directly from a manager.
Nearly a third (31%) of women in HR felt a lack of leadership opportunities had hindered their career growth. A third said they had seen or experienced women being passed over for promotions after pregnancy or maternity leave. A quarter admitted to downplaying or concealing a pregnancy at work due to fears of being perceived as less capable or professional.
In addition to these findings, 48 percent of HR respondents said they did not feel safe reporting discrimination at work while 44 percent reported experiencing microaggressions related to gender or race. Almost half (47%) said their workplace did not provide enough support for women’s health challenges.
Wider industry findings and commentary
Across all sectors, IT and Telecoms was identified as the most sexist industry in the UK. Women in this field reported the highest levels of appearance-based scrutiny (57%), pressure to overperform due to gender (55%) and a need to downplay femininity (63%). Over half (53%) said they had experienced microaggressions, while one in five (20%) felt gender bias had negatively affected their career progression.
Architecture, Engineering and Building was placed third in the rankings, with 68 percent of women reporting being patronised and 66 percent experiencing appearance-based scrutiny. In this sector, 59 percent said they felt the need to downplay their femininity, while 39 percent reported a lack of workplace support for women’s health.
In contrast, education, retail, catering and leisure, and healthcare emerged as the most equal sectors according to the report, with fewer instances of gender bias and stronger support systems for women.
Simple solutions to a difficult challenge
Commenting the findings, life coach Mikaela Jackson told HR review, “We expect women to be independent and providers, caregivers and career-driven leaders, head of operations at home, and probably have a side-hustle. Trying to do all of the above is not a recipe for success, it’s exhausting. Women’s career challenges are often linked to the broader picture of managing their life priorities.”
Jackson emphasised the importance of providing safe spaces, flexible working arrangements, pay transparency and internal mentorship opportunities for women navigating multiple life transitions.
“The challenges women face may be nuanced and deep-seated, but the solutions don’t need to be complicated. They need to be considered, compassionate, practical and genuinely empowering. And when that happens, everyone benefits.”
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, an HR news and opinion publication, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues. She is a journalism graduate and self-described lifelong dog lover who has also written for Dogs Today magazine since 2014.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
