Shaw Search Partners recognizes that diversity in the workplace, specifically in leadership positions, is extremely important not only for the overall success of the company, but for the representation of minorities at all levels within a company. As our expert recruiters know, women have been fighting for representation within the workplace since before the first wave of feminism even began. And although major growth and public attention has been paid towards the need for women in leadership, our world still has a ways to go. According to Pew Research Center, women are still being paid on average only 84% of what male counterparts earn. A number that has remained pretty steady over the past decade. Women also only make up 37 CEO positions out of the Fortune 500 companies, which was considered an all-time record high. So why is the need for women in leadership roles so important? And why are we not seeing a greater strive for difference? Our team of corporate recruiters explores below. 

The Importance of Women in Leadership Roles:

1. New Ideas and Perspectives Will be Brought Into the Workplace

Diversity at higher levels within an organization is always going to benefit the ideas and perspectives that are brought into the workplace. Women leaders bring a different skill set, drive and cultural background to their leadership style than that of men. From this diverse leadership will come greater innovation, directly benefiting the company and those who work there. (Shaw Search Partners Tip: look for jobs who stress the importance of diverse leaders!)

2. A More Profitable Business

As stated above, the more diverse a company is, the more innovative. Innovation can then be directly linked to growth opportunities which are necessary to sustain the organization as a whole. The more a company is able to grow, the more profitable they can become. Having women be a focus of this diversity can lead to a more profitable and financially stable business. 

3. Younger Generations of Women Will See Themselves in Women Leaders

One of the greatest benefits of putting women in leadership positions is representation. The more women are represented in these positions, the more younger generations of women will realize that they are capable of achieving leadership positions as well. Representation helps to keep us moving forward rather than backwards. When placing our clients with future employers, our corporate recruiters make sure that clients feel represented and comfortable in their future job. (Shaw Search Partners Tip: look for organizations where you feel represented and you know others will as well)

4. The Chance of Closing the Wage Gap

The wage gap is something that has existed across job positions since the beginning of time and has failed to ever get to the point of completely closing. With more women in leadership positions, there is a better chance of closing the wage gap. However, if women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, the wage gap will continue to exist. 

As our team at Shaw Search Partners has explored above, diversity at higher level leadership positions is not only a step forward for the ongoing human rights movements, but it can be a huge step forward for organizations themselves. Recruiting and allowing for more women into the workplace, specifically at higher level management positions opens the opportunity for idea generation and innovation in a whole new way. What women bring to the table can be quite different from males based on their experience in this world. If diverse leadership is woven throughout organizations then organizations may have a stronger chance of surviving in the long-run and remaining profitable. And hopefully, with the implementation of a diverse workplace, will come younger generations of future employees who see themselves in these leadership positions. Searching for a higher level leadership position? Contact us today.