Why women lose steam at work

While 34 percent of men are still set on getting the top job, only 16 percent of the women have similar ambitions. The researchers also noted that at this point women’s confidence levels had plummeted. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• The study found that during the first two years of employment, up to 43 per cent of female employees aspire to have a seat at the corner office. During this initial period, the findings showed that only 34 per cent of men have this ambition. After the two-year period, the tables turn
• The findings did not show any evidence that parental status or marital status affects a woman’s aspirations. Instead, the researchers observe that this turn of events could be as a result of women not getting enough support at the workplace.

By JOAN THATIAH
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While men become more motivated and ambitious with time, women’s ambition tends to deteriorate with time.

This is according to research by Bain & Company a global management consulting firm, which studied why and how men’s career paths differ from that of women. More than 1,000 men and women from all career levels were tracked for five years. Specifically, they were asked their interest in pursuing a top managerial position.

The study found that during the first two years of employment, up to 43 per cent of female employees aspire to have a seat at the corner office. During this initial period, the findings showed that only 34 per cent of men have this ambition. After the two-year period, the tables turn.

LITTLE SUPPORT

While 34 percent of men are still set on getting the top job, only 16 percent of the women have similar ambitions. The researchers also noted that at this point women’s confidence levels had plummeted.

They were found to be 50 per cent less confident than when they started out, while the men’s confidence levels remained constant all through.

These findings show that women enter the workplace confident of their abilities but after a while these aspirations drop by more than half. It is an open sign that woman are constantly missing out on opportunities.

While the common assumption is that getting married and having babies is what dampens a woman’s aspirations, the scientists disagree with this.

The findings did not show any evidence that parental status or marital status affects a woman’s aspirations. Instead, the researchers observe that this turn of events could be as a result of women not getting enough support at the workplace. The study shows a major gap in terms of support at the boardroom level.

The daily interactions that employees at this level have with their supervisors seem to either erode or boost an employee’s aspirations. This means that supervisors should dispel the stereotype that the man is the ideal worker and instead give the woman the support she needs to clinch the corner office.

Previous research has shown that companies that promote gender equality fare better than companies that don’t. If companies made an effort to support women in the boardroom, it would be a win-win affair for both the company and the female gender.