The second installment of FTI Consulting and Mine The Gap's research on gender dynamics in the workplace found significant differences, or "enthusiasm gaps," in perspectives across genders and industries related to workplace priorities and initiatives aimed at improving gender balance across all career levels.
An "enthusiasm gap" refers to the difference between those who are active, vocal and passionate supporters of an effort and those who may be supporters but might not be motivated to take action. During election seasons, an "enthusiasm gap" measures those who are more likely to go out and vote for a candidate, compared to those who may be supportive but unlikely to make time to actually vote on election day. Tracking the intensity of sentiment is important to predict whether support will translate into actual results.
FTI Consulting and Mine The Gap surveyed nearly 6,000 professional women and men across the industries of technology, finance, legal, energy and healthcare. The research shows that there is an Enthusiasm Gap at Work, particularly between genders, as women professionals show more intensity and enthusiasm in their support for gender pay equity initiatives, flexible work schedules, improved family leave policies, more transparent processes for career advancement and blinded talent recruitment. These enthusiasm gaps at work demonstrate the challenges in motivating senior leaders, who statistically are more likely to be men, beyond mere support for an idea to actual policy change.
Kim O’Halloran, FTI Consulting
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