In the last years, women have been rising to the top levels of companies faster than we thought. Companies are seeing the value of women in leadership positions, and they’re making progress on gender diversity. This is an important step in the right direction.
The culture of work is equally important. Employees want to feel respected and admired, that they can grow and advance equally. They want the system to be fair.
Still, women continue to be undervalued at every level. Companies haven’t realized that, to change the numbers, they need to focus where the real problem is. We often talk about the “glass ceiling” that prevents women from reaching bigger leadership positions. The biggest obstacle that women face is much earlier in the pipeline, at the first step up to manager. Fixing this “broken rung” is the key to achieving parity.
A more diverse workforce will naturally lead to a more inclusive culture. And when a company’s culture feels fair and inclusive, women and underrepresented groups are happier and more likely to thrive.
Diversity leaves impacts throughout the whole company. Employees feel more engaged in diverse working environments, diversity increases the employee retention rates while on the other hand reduces sickness absence.
Diverse leadership influences the company’s in a positive direction.