As technology becomes ever-more sophisticated, we can expect to see new skills emerge and grow in importance. At the same time, skills that demand a premium today may become less important, as automation and robotics continues to replace routine tasks.
While no one can be sure exactly what the future holds, we do know the biggest impact will be felt by women. They’re already underrepresented in industries that anticipate the greatest job growth: engineering, technology, architecture and mathematics. They’re also overrepresented in sectors most threatened by digitisation, automation and robotics, such as office and administration positions. If the current trajectory continues, women could face three million job losses and only half a million gains. That means more than five jobs lost for every job gained.
The data is clear: when women participate in the workforce to their full potential, businesses benefit from better decision making and better financial results. And, in a world that’s challenged by demographic change and talent shortages, it’s critical that businesses draw in those that are not fully participating in the workforce.
Businesses are still a long way from achieving gender parity, though. To make real progress, more needs to be done to support women in their careers. That’s why we asked women what works for them – how they think employers can better support their career development. Take a look at our infographic to find out more:
Click here to view the full infographic
Gender parity isn’t just the right thing to do – it makes clear business sense. But it’s not easy and there is no quick fix. If organisations are serious about gender parity, they must go beyond programmes and change the culture. It’s time to put words into action.
Building on what leaders told us and on our own commitment and experience, we have identified seven practical steps that will accelerate organisations from circular conversations around awareness to the tipping point that will help them achieve gender parity.
Download our whitepaper Seven Steps to Conscious Inclusion: A Practical Guide to Accelerating More Women Into Leadership to find out more.