Gender equality in workplace ‘a boost to business value’
In a country so rich in diversity and culture, we know the beauty that comes with inclusivity and are aware of the challenges faced to achieve this. In our 50 years of doing business in SA, we have seen transformation take place in many aspects, but the challenge to fully achieve gender mainstreaming in the workplace remains. Not only is it rooted in unequal pay and the continued underrepresentation of women in senior positions, but also in the perception of gender roles and equality which stem from society and culture.
We are at an inflection point and when it comes to workplace culture, there is a large gap between what leaders think is going on and what employees say is happening on the ground. Our research shows that while 68% of leaders feel they create empowering environments — in which employees can be themselves, raise concerns and innovate without fear of failure — only 36% of employees agree.
Closing this perception gap will yield substantial benefits for both companies and their employees.
Gender mainstreaming in the workplace is an important category of concern. More than 77% of women employees care increasingly about workplace culture and believe it’s important to help them thrive in the workplace. Their voices are rising, loud and clear.
Despite the increasing awareness, however, the progress isn’t fast enough, and with the Covid-19 pandemic we risk losing any gains that have been made so far.
Our research shows that in more equal cultures, everyone rises. Women are four times more likely to reach senior manager and director levels, while men are twice as likely to reach senior manager and director levels. Even though the business case in favour of a culture of equality and women in leadership strengthens every year, most companies are still not prioritising gender equality at speed.
Past studies have shown that feeling more included boosts productivity, and aspiring to leadership roles has a positive effect on the likelihood of women advancing to manager or higher and, ultimately, increasing a company’s overall profitability.
In view of this, Accenture has taken the initiative to not only advocate against gender inequality in the workplace, but also celebrate companies that embrace the representation of women in the workplace. We recognise the business value gender mainstreaming brings, and celebrate diversity as well as the inclusion of women at all levels of authority in the workplace. As such, we have partnered with Business Engage for their eighth annual Gender Mainstreaming Awards (GMAs).
We believe that to build a sustainable economy, the private sector must work together with government, civil society, academia and nonprofit organisations to maximise the potential of the country’s people and enterprises and to grow the economy. Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture can no longer fall to the bottom of the agenda. It is not only important for growth, it is also a safeguard against uncertain times.
GENDER MAINSTREAMING AWARDS 2020
Business Engage has developed the GMAs to encourage private sector to buy in to achieving more meaningful representation of women in the mainstream of business. There are various categories to fit in with the level of diversity that companies are currently at. Companies and individuals are encouraged to use the awards as a springboard to further achievements.
There is no cost to making a submission.
All submissions are done at www.genderawards.co.za and may be for South African programmes and/or international programmes.
FEELING MORE INCLUDED BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY, AND ASPIRING TO LEADERSHIP ROLES HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT