Inside the Pay Gap: What’s Changing for Women at Work

Guest: Noreen Farrell, Executive Director at Equal Rights Advocates

Summary

On this episode of At Work in America, Steve is joined by Noreen Farrell from Equal Rights Advocates to break down what’s really happening with pay equity, transparency, and workplace fairness right now.

As policy enforcement shifts and cultural expectations evolve, they explore why progress on gender and racial equity is becoming more uneven—and in some cases, reversing. From the widening pay gap to the pressures pushing women out of the workforce, this conversation connects the dots between legislation, workplace practices, and lived employee experience.

It’s an honest look at where things stand, what’s at risk, and what organizations can do to move forward with intention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pay Equity and Workplace Fairness

02:41 The Role of Equal Rights Advocates

05:36 Changes in Enforcement and Challenges in Workplace Rights

08:40 Impact of Societal Changes on Women in the Workforce

11:06 Wage Gap Trends

15:37 Strategies for Pay Equity and Transparency

20:47 The Importance of High Standards in Employment Practices

23:35 Opportunities for Employers to Advocate for Change

Thank you for joining the show today! Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The HR Happy Hour Network is sponsored by Workhuman.

What if your wins at work didn’t have to stop there? Workhuman’s employee recognition platform is built on the world’s largest rewards marketplace – tying recognition for great work to the things people love outside it. Crush a project: snag that baking dish you’ve been eyeing. Hit a milestone: Celebrate with a weekend getaway. With over one million gadgets, gift cards, and experiences, something is redeemed for in Workhuman’s in-house store every 3 seconds. Each reward deepens connections, boosts engagement, and helps fuel a culture that knows their work matters, and has the receipts to prove it. Head over to workhuman.com to learn more. Workhuman – a proud supporter of the HR Happy Hour Network. Thanks for joining us.