Assessing diversity gaps and representation within the UK Workforce

A new study by office furniture suppliers, Viking Direct, has visualised the UK workforce as 100 people. The firm has analysed data from the Office of National Statistics, to highlight under-representation in staff across the country and make the data more accessible. The results have illustrated areas of current under-representation. 

When the UK workforce as 100 people is compared to the UK population in the same form, the following points are found: 

• Women are under-represented in the UK workforce by four people 
• People of Asian ethnicity are under-represented by two people 
• Those of mixed race are under-represented by one person 
• Muslims are under-represented by two people 
• Hindus are under-represented by one person 
• Christians are under-represented by one person 
• People in bad or very bad health are under-represented by five people 

Each of the 100 people in the visualisation represents 269,669 British workers, further illustrating the under-representation revealed by the research. This means that women are currently under represented in the UK workforce by 1,186,676 people. 

The full research visualises the UK workforce as 100 people, based on nine demographics 

The nine demographics analysed were: 

1. Gender 
2. Age 
3. Hours worked 
4. Industry 
5. Qualifications 
6. Health 
7. Ethnicity 
8. Language 
9. Religion 

The representation was created through analysis of 2011 census data. Population statistics for each demographic were calculated as a percentage of the whole, which was in turn converted to the nearest whole number out of 100. 

Claire Porciani, Senior Manager of HR at Viking Direct UK, says about the research: 

“Visualising the UK’s workforce as 100 people has made it easier to identify areas where people are being under-represented. Hopefully this information will prompt more managers and businesses to assess diversity gaps and representation within their staff. This data visualisation provides a useful measure by which companies can compare their work towards diversity with that of the UK as a whole. 

“The under-representation highlighted by the research indicates a need for managers to assess diversity in their organisation and try and address any imbalances. Examine whether your workplace is welcoming to everyone. Are their prayer spaces? Is it easy to navigate and use for those with mobility issues? If these elements are missing, it can be off-putting for those that need them.”