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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Why It Is Much Harder for Women to Climb the Career Ladder

The degree of employee involvement in the affairs of the company is an important indicator of business success

The degree of employee involvement in the affairs of the company is an important indicator of business success, while the desire of men to meet women for marriage tells about their seriousness and maturity. In prosperous corporations, people are active: they are interested in the future and plan it together with the top staff.

The Boston Consulting Group tried to understand what factors influence the level of employee participation in the company's life. It turned out that there is a gender imbalance at the top level of management: women are less involved in decision making. This negatively affects not only the moral climate but also the financial performance of companies.

Heads of corporations should create an atmosphere conducive to equal relations between employees, regardless of age, position, or gender.

Manifestation of Differences

As a rule, the higher the position is, the more actively the employee participates in the affairs of the company. In some corporations, women and men are equally involved in the life of a team. In others, there is an inequality that has a negative impact precisely on women. Why do women more often feel undervalued? Here are several reasons for this.

1. Recognition

It is important for every person to be appreciated not only by the bosses but also by colleagues as well. In companies where employees are less motivated, women often feel undervalued. Researchers asked respondents whether managers listen to their opinions and praise for good work. It turned out that women, even among top managers, are encouraged much less often.

2. The balance between work and personal life

As men climb the career ladder, colleagues increasingly support them in the fulfillment of family obligations. Women face the exact opposite attitude. In most companies, they are offered only flexible work schedules and maternity leave. However, other forms of support are not so common. Corporations need to be more careful about the personal lives of their employees, especially women.

3. Relations with colleagues

Friendship with colleagues is important for both men and women. The latter, however, have more doubts about the sincerity of their colleagues and managers. A higher position the man has, the more he is confident in the trust and understanding prevailing in the team. Women don’t have such confidence in their colleagues.

4. Mentoring

Women who are just starting their careers get enough practical advice. Nevertheless, the higher positions they get, the more difficult for them to communicate with their mentors. The researchers asked survey participants if they were satisfied with their mentors. Men answered affirmatively more often than women.

5. Career prospects and salary

Women believe that the results of their activities should be adequately paid. Unfortunately, not always the remuneration corresponds to the effort expended.

6. Job attributes

The status that a person receives in a particular position is very important to them. Women are less likely to feel that they use their skills and knowledge 100%. As a result, they have less motivation.

7. Values of a company

It is essential that employees share value attitudes and corporate aspirations. Some women point out ignorance of the processes taking place in the company and lack of understanding of corporate ethics.

How to Help Women?

The main thing is to listen to them more often. If there are women among top managers, they will certainly be able to give some useful tips. The problem of alienation, of course, is relevant for both sexes. However, women, according to the results of many studies, still have more difficulty.