There has been positive progress on the proportion of women in senior management positions. The early signs are that this progress could receive a significant boost from changes to ways of working post-pandemic, which have been adopted on a global scale. The uptake of support and wellbeing programmes and the commitment to clarity and equal opportunities could also increase the percentage.

However, the fact that progress is steady state, and even at risk of sliding backwards, demonstrates the importance and urgency of committing to more intentional action to increase the percentage of women in senior leadership.

Most businesses are now in the 30% club, but given the slow progress since reaching this tipping point we need to push for more meaningful progress – we must push for parity. Governments, investors, clients and customers won’t accept less.

In instilling these positive measures to accelerate progress, we do also need to guard against the potential negative impacts on women. Mid-market businesses need to grasp the benefits of flexible work, whilst guarding against creating some potential pitfalls that might occur if they fail to nurture and monitor its effects.  

We also need to closely examine the impacts of new ways of working on broader diversity and inclusion. In the push for parity, we must ensure no one gets left behind. 

How can the mid-market push for parity? 

To push for parity, businesses must be intentional and decisive with their actions in order to accelerate progress.

Grant Thornton has five recommendations arising from the IBR research

How can the mid-market push for parity?

Thanks to our contributors

Peter Bodin
Chief executive officer
Grant Thornton International Ltd

Karitha Ericson 
Global leader - network capability and culture
Grant Thornton International
E karitha.ericson@gti.gt.com

Vivian Lagan
Managing director, model risk and co-source services
Grant Thornton UK
E vivian.o.lagan@uk.gt.com

Devika Dixit
Director
Grant Thornton Bharat LLP (India)
E devika.dixit@in.gt.com

Katie MacQuivey
Managing director, advisory strategy and transactions
Grant Thornton LLP (US)
E katie.macquivey@us.gt.com
Katerina Koulouri
Head of people experience and culture
Grant Thornton Greece
E katerina.koulouri@gr.gt.com

Hisham Farouk
Chief executive officer
Grant Thornton UAE
E hisham.farouk@ae.gt.com

Said Jahani
National managing partner
Grant Thornton Australia
E said.jahani@au.gt.com
Sinead Donovan
Partner and chair
Grant Thornton Ireland
E sinead.donovan@ie.gt.com 
Sheree Atcheson
Group VP of diversity and inclusion at Valtech and advisory board member of Women Who Code