According to Mercer’s 2013 Human Capital Report, women around the world remain significantly underrepresented at all levels in the work force. Yet championing gender diversity should be a greater focus for organizations everywhere in improving overall performance.
As the Mercer study noted: “Given the size of the untapped female work force and the pivotal role that women play in society as providers, caregivers, decision makers, and consumers, the extent of their participation in the workforce has major implications for the economic and social development of communities and nations.”
- Economists have calculated that eliminating the gap between male and female employment rates will bolster the gross domestic product (GDP) around the world: in the United States by 5 percent, in Japan by 9 percent, in the UAE by 12 percent and in Egypt by 34 percent.
- Women are more likely than men to invest larger portions of their incomes in the education and health of their children, ensuring the development of stronger future talent.
- Gender-balanced workplaces generate higher levels of efficiency savings, employee engagement, productivity, financial performance, and better meet the needs of diverse suppliers and customers.
Companies that actively promote women outperform their competitors, with overall profits 34 percent higher.
