Irish women feel undervalued, overworked and underpaid in the workplace, yet given the choice and financial independence, most women would continue to work.
However, women feel they have to work harder than men to get promoted, that they are expected to perform too many roles in terms of work and family and that their health is suffering as a result of stress.
These are among the key findings of a survey commissioned by BUPA Ireland and Business & Finance on women and work.
The survey found that working gives women a greater sense of independence and self and that the majority want to stay in their current job. But it also found that given financial security, most would prefer to work part-time.
Women also want more support from their employers in the form of flexitime, job-sharing arrangements and parental leave.
The survey provides food for thought for employers. Most women feel that having babies affects their career prospects and that single women fare better at job interviews. One in three believes there is a "glass ceiling" in their place of work and half of these say they have experienced its negative effects.
Other important issues for women in the workplace are a good maternity package, time off if their children are ill and the ability to progress their careers quickly.
Nearly half the women surveyed believe the amount of work they do is damaging their health and a significant number have taken time off because of stress.
"Stress is becoming an increasing problem for women working outside the home," said Ms Margaret Downes, chairman of BUPA Ireland. "We are very aware of how important good health is for women. A healthy woman creates a healthy family."
BUPA will use the survey findings to create a range of new healthcare products to match women's lifestyles, Ms Downes said.
The survey also found that seven out of 10 women felt that combining full-time work with a school-age family was harder than they expected. About half felt they took more responsibility for children and housework than their partner although, interestingly, most seemed reluctant to share the responsibility with only a quarter saying they wanted more support from their partner. Two in five said they sometimes felt guilty for having to use a childminder.
A total of 515 women, aged 19-44, participated in the survey, which was carried out by Lansdowne Market Research. They earned, on average, in excess of £16,000 per annum. More than half described themselves as directors, managers and executives.
