In a recent article, the firm emphasises the importance of encouraging women into leadership roles within organisations. It highlights the benefits of gender diversity, such as better understanding of customer needs, improved decision-making, increased innovation, and higher financial returns. The 2024 Paris Olympics achieving gender parity is used as a benchmark for other sectors, including corporate leadership.
Key points include:
• Lack of diversity risks missing market opportunities and deters young talent.
• Investors expect gender-diverse leadership and may invest elsewhere if companies fail to meet diversity standards.
• Studies show that gender-diverse teams are more innovative and profitable.
• Tokenistic appointments are insufficient; substantial representation of women in senior roles is necessary.
• Progress has been made, with increasing numbers of women on FTSE boards, but challenges remain, especially in executive roles.
• The consultancy industry faces declining female representation, with work-life balance and cultural issues being major factors.
• Strategies to improve gender diversity include flexible working, mentorship, and addressing internal biases.
Read more here.