Stat: US advertising industry is failing to retain female talent

US – A new survey from the industry group She Runs It has found that women are steadily exiting the US advertising industry. The group, which advocates for women in advertising, has released its fifth annual #Inclusive100 study that shows the industry has seen a sharp drop of almost 24% in female talent since 2021. Today, women account for just 35% of the marketing, media and ad tech sector, down from 46% in 2021.

Working in advertising is difficult for women at both entry and senior levels. The study found that fewer women than men are hired in entry-level roles, and executive positions have the lowest ratio of women, at just 30%, down from 33% in 2021. Among the industry's top 20% of earners, only 30% are women – a steep decline from 42% in 2021.

Work has changed rapidly over the past few years. The rise of flexible working and the pandemic have forced many workers to re-evaluate their priorities. Women have faced additional gender-based pressure to balance home life and employment. Our upcoming Work States Futures report will explore these emerging issues and attitudes to work.