A new survey reveals surprising results on how male employees in Singapore perceive gender diversity in the workplace
Following the report released by the Diversity Action Committee (DAC) on gender diversity in Singapore, recruitment specialist Robert Walters released its own findings and revealed that men are more inclined to agree that there is an equal representation of men and women within their organisation.
Of the more than 150 men and women surveyed in Singapore, 53% of male respondents believed that women were represented fairly while only 39% of women answered the same.
“Men are more likely to feel there are strong female leaders in their organisations and are 14% more likely than women to agree that there is a fair and equal gender balance in leadership positions,” they said in their report Empowering Women in the Workplace.
Similarly, 76% of female respondents believed employers needed to improve on their gender diversity programmes while only 51% of male respondents believed the same.
“Female leadership programmes should be of strategic importance but not overkill or be seen as a formality to tick off on a checklist,” said one respondent.
While Tricia Duran, HR director of Singapore and regional HR director of functions Asia, Africa, and Russia at Unilever said, “I don’t think gender diversity is exclusive to me as a woman – everyone should have access to equal opportunities.”
One way female respondents said companies can encourage more women leaders is through mentorship.
“Women believe in the value of mentoring programmes or sponsorship at senior management levels to aid them in their career development,” said the report, as evidenced by the 79% of female respondents in Singapore agreeing to the statement.
Additional ways companies can ensure gender diversity in the workplace include “personalised training programmes, formal leadership training sponsored by employers, and networking opportunities within the business—the chance to meet and talk to senior management,” they said.
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Of the more than 150 men and women surveyed in Singapore, 53% of male respondents believed that women were represented fairly while only 39% of women answered the same.
“Men are more likely to feel there are strong female leaders in their organisations and are 14% more likely than women to agree that there is a fair and equal gender balance in leadership positions,” they said in their report Empowering Women in the Workplace.
Similarly, 76% of female respondents believed employers needed to improve on their gender diversity programmes while only 51% of male respondents believed the same.
“Female leadership programmes should be of strategic importance but not overkill or be seen as a formality to tick off on a checklist,” said one respondent.
While Tricia Duran, HR director of Singapore and regional HR director of functions Asia, Africa, and Russia at Unilever said, “I don’t think gender diversity is exclusive to me as a woman – everyone should have access to equal opportunities.”
One way female respondents said companies can encourage more women leaders is through mentorship.
“Women believe in the value of mentoring programmes or sponsorship at senior management levels to aid them in their career development,” said the report, as evidenced by the 79% of female respondents in Singapore agreeing to the statement.
Additional ways companies can ensure gender diversity in the workplace include “personalised training programmes, formal leadership training sponsored by employers, and networking opportunities within the business—the chance to meet and talk to senior management,” they said.
Related stories:
Yahoo CEO facing another discrimination lawsuit
Lack of female business leaders not just a ‘women’s issue’
Revealed: Asia’s most diverse workplaces