News: Performance Management
Firms 'should use management training to improve gender balance'
08 May 2009
Companies should use management training to increase the representation of women at the organisation's higher levels, an expert asserts.
Karen Gill, director of support service Everywoman, claims that the gender imbalance present in many firms becomes more visible as progress is made in its hierarchy.
She says that Harriet Harman's recent comments highlight the need to take action in encouraging better representation, which she suggests can be achieved through coaching and training.
"The important thing is that it is essential that organisations focus on … [investing] in their development and training to ensure they progress into the senior roles," she asserts.
Ms Gill says that by encouraging and supporting female employees, firms can obtain a better balance and obtain the financial benefits that this provides.
Recent research by www.hirescores.com revealed that 81 per cent of UK businesses admit they would ask about potential female recruits' pregnancy or plans for having children if they could.
