04.11.2024

Kamala Harris election win would positively change how women are perceived in UK workplaces, finds research

Should Kamala Harris become the next US President, two thirds (65%) of senior business decision makers in the UK agree that it would positively change both how women are perceived in the workplace and their ambition to strive for senior roles in their organisation.

This is according to new research, commissioned by employee experience platform Culture Amp which also finds that 68% of respondents (74% of women and 65% of men) agree that should Harris win November’s election, more women would be encouraged to apply for senior roles. Notably, and unsurprisingly given the Presidential candidate’s ethnic background, 15% more Black respondents (81%) than White respondents (66%) subscribe to this opinion too.

Millennials are the age demographic with the most optimism about Harris’s potential appointment: 72% of those aged between 25 and 44 agree that more women would be reconsidering their career opportunities compared to 61% of the over 55s.

The research, gathered from 1,007 business decision makers by market research company Censuswide, also found that 65% of women and 59% of men agree that Harris’ appointment would see women having a stronger status in the workplace. Once again, the younger age demographic is more optimistic - 70% of 16 - 24 year olds agree compared to 52% of the over 55s.

Additionally, 65% of those aged 25 - 34 say that Harris winning the Presidency would increase their confidence in there being equality at work while a more modest majority (52%) of the 45 - 54 age bracket and nearly half (47%) of over 55s agree. The research also shows that 64% of Black respondents, 59% of those with Multiple Ethnic backgrounds; 57% of Asian and 58% of White respondents agree that equality would be improved.

Melissa Paris, Director of People Science, Culture Amp commented: “Irrespective of who wins the US election, leadership changes can signal new beginnings, an injection of energy, or a pivot in strategic direction.

“Unlike other roles, leadership positions are likely to directly affect employees far and wide across the organisation - except that in the case of the US election, the wider world is watching.

“Culture Amp’s existing global data shows that women take up 30% of the seats at the boardroom table, but they’re experiencing a lot of exclusion and inequities in their organisation despite their seniority. Should Kamala Harris become President, taking on one of the most powerful roles in the world, it’s no surprise that people around the globe are taking note and are likely to be raising our optimism for equality accordingly.

“However Ms Harris’ election alone would be unlikely to contribute meaningfully to any individual company achieving structural gender equity gains.

“Companies that want to use this positive transition to drive equity will need to harness this momentum to implement evidence-based, structural DEI programmes. This can be a powerful moment to take initial steps or recommit to previous intentions.”

Posted by: FMJ 0 comment(s)