Women are disappearing from corporate career and leadership pathways at every point in their professional lives, especially women of color. This insight comes from a research report from Bentley University’s Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB). Based on extensive review of media coverage and research, the report identifies key factors as to why this is happening, with lack of access to career-building relationships, networks, and early career barriers all contributing to the problem.
Early in their careers entry-level women generally start out making 20% less than male peers. This bias doesn’t end there, with males 21% more likely to be promoted into management over females. The report then discusses ways to promote and improve diversity and gender equality within the workplace, spreading it across four categories of culture and leadership:
- Having the right metrics,
- Involving the right people within them,
- Providing people programs and the right processes, and
- Allowing mentors and sponsors for game-changing relationships.
“The good news is that studies demonstrate commitment to improved gender representation in most companies, especially at the top,” said CWB senior director and lead author of ‘The Pipeline Predicament: Fixing the Talent Pipeline’, Trish Foster. “A critical key to success is closing the gap between intent and implementation. Employers need to implement top-to-bottom interventions and ensure that everyone in the organization feels accountable for results.”
The report also lists a set of tips specifically for women to help them make the most of their careers, helping them build and maintain their confidence and aspirations. It also includes advice from female entrepreneurs and businesswomen that made it to the top, while stressing the importance of identifying potential goals to work towards as well as career challenges in the way.
