Women's Career Development Survey
Actionable Insights
An inside look at the background and purpose.
The progress made by women in the workplace over the past decade has been challenged by the pandemic and its aftermath. This research focuses on workers in Northeast Wisconsin, examining current conditions and challenges women face. The findings will inform the work of the Schreiber Institute for Women’s Leadership and area organizations, enabling us to:
- Gauge current experiences and workplace support
- Help women become more resilient in the workplace
- Identify ways for workplaces to be positive supports for women
Survey Participation
In 2025, 550 workers across Northeast Wisconsin were surveyed. New for this survey, 20% of responses were from men in the workplace, which allows us to develop a lens on gender gaps.
Young Professionals
Ages 18-34, which includes Gen Z and Millennials
Mid-Career Professionals
Ages 35-54, which includes Generation X and older Millennials
Late-Career Professionals
55+, which includes Baby Boomers and older Generation X
The characteristics of the majority of respondents were:
- Female
- Young worker between the ages of 18-34
- Bachelor's degree
- Individual contributors
- Between 6 – 10 years of experience in education, government or entrepreneurship
- Between 1 – 5 years at their current organization, many from smaller companies of up to 25 employees Executive Summary
Executive Summary
The 2026 Women’s Career Development Report reveals stark generational and gender differences in workplace experiences.
Young Professionals & Older Employees
Young Professionals face the highest burnout, family-to-work conflict and intent to leave, while older employees report greater autonomy and flourishing.
Benefit Preferences Shift by Life Stage
Young Professionals value flexibility and growth, Mid-Career Professionals prioritize work-life balance and Late-Career Professionals emphasize health and retirement security.
Autonomy Drives Engagement
Women see leadership falling short. To retain talent, organizations must tailor benefits, support early‑career growth, foster mentorship and build autonomy.
Key Takeaways
Investments needed to empower women in every career stage.
The 2026 Women’s Career Development Report underscores the urgent need for workplaces to address generational and gender-based challenges through strategies that foster resilience, autonomy and confidence.
As organizations work to close these gaps, the Schreiber Institute for Women's Leadership plays a pivotal role in empowering women in every stage of their careers. Through leadership development programs, confidence-building workshops, robust networking opportunities and timely initiatives designed to meet evolving workplace demands, the Institute equips women with the tools to thrive and influence positive change. By investing in these resources, we not only strengthen individual career trajectories but also create more inclusive, resilient and high-performing organizations across Northeast Wisconsin.
Just Ask!
Interested in how your organization can help to empower women in Northeast Wisconsin? Let's talk about how you can partner with the Schreiber Institute for Women's Leadership.