Mentoring is improving the gender balance within UK organisations, according to new research.
The study, Turning the gender diversity dial, conducted by development specialists, Moving Ahead, found that mentoring is creating better gender diversity in the workplace and is enabling organisational cultures to become more inclusive and creative as a result.
The study, in collaboration and sponsored by Deloitte, also found that structured, formal gender-based mentoring programmes are creating a better gender diversity in the workplace by significantly growing women’s confidence, enabling a more inclusive culture and organisation, creating positive change beyond the programme, providing the skills and frameworks for more empathetic, accessible leaders and driving best practice for broader mentoring schemes in organisations.
Of those surveyed, 87 per cent of mentors and mentees felt empowered by their mentoring relationships and have developed a greater confidence; 82 per cent believed that mentoring relationships help foster meaningful connections; while 84 per cent reported that mentoring relationships provide two-way inspiration for both the mentor and the mentee.
The research also revealed not helping women to remain in work, could potential cost the Exchequer £23 billion. It costs an employer more than £30,000 on average to replace a staff member and the average cost of a three-day leadership programme in the UK is £1,467 per person – five times more than an externally managed nine-month mentoring programme.
Liz Dimmock, CEO and founder of Moving Ahead, said, “Mentees are feeling a profound growth in confidence.”
“This courage to be at your best, apply for promotions, seek feedback, lead and embrace a growth mindset is a fundamental output of good mentoring.”
“Women can take ownership and turn the dial on their development.”
“Mentoring creates better engagement, retention, inter-departmental working, advancement of male and female leaders, and drives better business performance.”
“It can positively shape the culture of an organisation, fostering inclusion by helping individuals connect.”
Dimple Agarwal, global organisation transformation and talent leader at Deloitte, said, “When focusing on the development of our future leaders, the role of mentors cannot be underestimated.”
“I know there have been times in my career when challenge and support from my mentors has empowered me to make bolder choices and take on more senior, stretching roles.”
“These have enabled me to grow at pace and find great personal satisfaction and success.”
