When it comes to women in leadership positions, even men agree that more is needed. In fact, a new poll reveals that half of over 2,000 Americans would prefer working “for a female-led company.”
According to the poll—by Harris Poll, Berlin Cameron, and the Female Quotient—55 percent of women and 46 percent of men would rather work at a female-led company over one run by men. And 81 percent of women agreed that seeing women in leadership roles encouraged them “to believe that they can also have a leadership position.”
In particular, respondents generally believed companies led by women were more purpose-driven, more likely to give female employees fair pay for their work, and were more likely to provide proper benefits for childcare. Not just that, but when it comes to sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, 52 percent agreed that companies should be the first line of defense and male business leaders need to tackle the problem.
As far as other workplace issues, men are regularly looking for better benefits related to parental care, too, which suggests a shift in both gender roles and priorities for parents.
“What we think is happening in these responses is that there has been so much [of a] cultural headwind inside these companies that has obviously harmed women, but to some extent—though not equally—men are saying those are problems too, whether it’s lack of access to childcare for their families or harassment,” Harris Poll’s CEO John Gerzema told Refinery29.
“So, what we talk about when we discuss a ‘modern’ workplace is really cleaning up these cultures and allowing for tangible returns, which means happier employees, more effective leaders, and better-run companies,” he continued.
Above all, the report found that nearly every American adult surveyed agreed that harassment and assault is a major problem in the workplace. 92 percent said companies need to make changes to protect victims.
“The most important changes falling on HR, gender norms, harassment training and taking a stance,” Harris Poll concluded.
