Millennial men could help equality in the workplace

millennial man

Millennial men could help with equality in the workplace, according to a new study.

The study, How Millennial Men Can Help Break the Glass Ceiling, conducted by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), found that younger men are far more progressive than older men about gender issues.

The research found that millennial men are an untapped resource in the workplace when it comes to gender equality.

The study found that compared with older men, men under 40 can better identify the most significant challenges women face in the workplace.

In contrast to 15 per cent of men over 40, 26 per cent of younger men reported retention as a major barrier for women. Among female respondents of all ages, 36 per cent cited retention as a barrier.

When asked to rank the importance of 39 different diversity initiatives, men under 40 – including those who were not parents themselves – ranked on-site childcare and parental leave in their top six overall. This was much higher than men over 40 and much closer to women of all ages.

The study also outlined measures that leaders should take to help improve gender equality in the workplace including ensuring that flexible work policies are open to both men and women; create a support network for all employees with young children; make the business case for diversity clear to older men; and once these measures are in place, build them into the recruiting strategy.

Matt Krentz, a senior partner at BCG and a co-author of the report said, “These findings provide company leadership with crucial proof that gender equality is not just a women’s issue.”

“With these insights, companies can enlist younger men as part of the solution, implementing initiatives that help them support workplace equality, increase retention of women, and ultimately, improve corporate financial performance.”

Katie Abouzahr, a principal at BCG and a co-author of the report added, “Younger men today are more attuned to fairness in the workplace and are looking for a different way of working relative to their predecessors.”

“These insights offer an opportunity for companies attempting to create a progressive work environment to differentiate themselves and gain an edge in recruiting and retaining the next generation of talent.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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