To expect the finance industry to change

[StBank]

Hi all, I work for a large asset management company in the city. I've been her for five years now and enjoy the job itself but hate, HATE, the industry.

Acknowledging International Women's Day last week consisted of an email being sent round with 'Inspiring women' (Florence Nightingale and Jacinda Ardern) and celebrating the career journeys of two female fund managers (the only two we have.)

Men seem to regularly 'disappear' from the workforce and it later transpired that it's down to some kind of sexual harassment. No one is ever held accountable or sacked. They just 'resign'.

So many sexist comments passed off as 'banter' thrown round the office.

My AIBU is asking whether things might get better or is it a case of sucking it up. The job pays well and I enjoy the work I do but I hate working in a male dominated environment that just seems totally out of touch and sexist.

There's also the whole 'forced into the office four days a week' now, which a lot of people are upset about.

Is anyone in asset management or finance working for a more flexible and forward thinking employer? I don't mind two days in the office and think that's a good balance, but four days screams presenteeism. Somewhere that is more modern, genuinely supports women and is not stuck in the dark ages would be a great too. Am I looking for a unicorn?

Thanks all

I have spent three decades in financial services and including in asset management at one point, I don’t currently work in it (in my 50s semi retired through choice). Actually I find it depressing that WFH is seen as a woman thing, presumably so we can keep up with housework and caring responsibilities. I am as capable as any man in going into the office if that is what my company requires and I insist my DH does his fair share at home.

I would just add, I am not against WFH. I just don’t like it being referred to as something that “supports women”.

I work in insurance at a high professional level and fortunately I've not seen that kind of sexist behaviour hardly at all. I've moved companies a lot, in my current one there was a case like that but it seems like there was just the one incident and the man was let go....
I agree with the PP, why is WFH seen as a woman thing - I much prefer going into work, would hate a life where 7 or 5 days a week I just stay in the house apart from errands...(appreciate it might be different for people who have a really busy social life and are out with friends every evening)..

I have always worked in FS and have never experienced any sexism. In fact the opposite. You cannot hire anyone these days unless you can show the ways in which you have actively tried to recruit women over men. And yes I love office working and usually go in. 2 days a week - does NatWest have any roles to suit your skills, or Lloyds Banking Group? I think they are still 2 days in office.

I agree, the 'four days in the office' proposes has irked all staff. Like I said, I think two days is a good balance. I used to wfh full time and hated it. I do think you need a couple of days in the office to build relationships and create and maintain a company and team culture.

I haven't looked at NatWest or Lloyds but will take a look at them. Thanks

Women who frame WFH as a "women's thing" in order to carry out domestic duties are like turkeys voting for Christmas in my view.

By all means value and support flexible working - I do two days a week at home and it is great - Mondays it means I can get to a local evening class on time and today I can prepare properly for meeting I have to chair as part of a volutnary role, but don't back your self even more in the corner as the default domestic worker and carer.