Diversity, what for?
For more profitability
It has been demonstrated that more gender diversity in management and leadership positions has a direct impact on financial results. Several studies that are replicated every year show that profitability improves when there are more women in senior management. Companies with a good gender balance in their top management also show stronger resistance in times of crises, as was confirmed both by the 2008 financial crisis and by the Covid 19 pandemic.
McKinsey, “Women Matter”, 2020.
A managerial responsibility
Diversity is also an HR matter for organisations. Women represent half of higher education graduates in Switzerland but only 22% of executive committee members in the public sector and 15% in the private sector (OFS, 2022), which is a huge waste of talent. Gender balance is improving, but the progress is really slow, while women represent the largest unexploited “talent pool”. Since the renewal of competences and the lack of qualified talent are some of the biggest challenges companies face in Switzerland now and for the coming years, part of the solution may well come from the building of more diverse teams!
McKinsey, “Women Matter”, 2020.
A competitive advantage to attract talent
A diverse management is more closely connected to the reality of the market and of society. It shows a more inclusive corporate culture, a more open leadership model and more flexible management practices, which are very appealing elements for younger generations, both men and women.