UK businesses looking to employ more female managers

News Article - 22 September 2011
Category: Business

An increasing number of UK organisations are seeking to employ more female managers, according to recent research from Randstad.

Randstad's quarterly Workmonitor report of over 400 UK employees revealed more than a third (36 per cent) believe the performance of their organisation would improve if it had a greater number of females in senior management positions.

Mark Bull, CEO of Randstad UK and Middle East, said: "Our survey shows just how complex gender dynamics in the workplace can be.

"On the one hand people are eager to see more senior female figureheads and believe that this would make a key difference to company performance. Yet on a day-to-day level the old stereotypes about preferring to work for a man seem to be holding sway."

It is clear that part time working is seen as a consideration by many in management positions with 43 per cent of respondents believing it to be possible. Nevertheless, when males consider their own working hours, they remain concerned that if they went part time it would hinder their career development.

Mr Bull added: "It's also worrying to see that part time working is a concern for many male workers keen to progress their career. Whilst the battle of acceptability amongst female employees is starting to be won, it seems UK plc has overlooked the fact that some men in particular feel there is a stigma attached to their desire for flexible work patterns."

Businesses looking to adopt flexible working for employees generally require an efficient HR solution with workflow tools tailored to their day-to-day processes.

Integrated HR software gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the ability to hold all employee information in one place - from personal and salary details to working hours and skills and competencies.

Such software brings together all areas of training, learning and development ensuring HR managers can monitor employee development and maximise their understanding of employee needs.

Article keywords: UK organisations, female management, Randstad, Workmonitor, business performance, workflow tools, integrated HR software, SME

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