Women feel their abilities aren't used by their employers

Forty six percent of business women and 49 percent of business men worldwide say they aren’t being challenged in their roles, despite more than three quarters being confident of their capabilities, according to new research by global management company, Accenture.

The research, released as part of Accenture’s celebration of International Women’s Day also found that six in 10 women felt their careers were either successful or very successful. More than half of women in the UK said they take on additional responsibilities to advance their careers and three quarters admitted they regularly stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone, compared to only 28 pecent of men, suggesting that women more than men are willing to go further to climb up the career ladder.

Women also appeared more proactive, with 52 percent currently developing new skills compared to only 38 percent of men. Armelle Carminati, managing director of Human Capital & Diversity at Accenture says, “This untapped potential offers great promise for organisations, which should engage their employees and build confident individuals with deep skills and capabilities. Through an agile and innovative approach to training and development, organisations can help ensure their success, particularly in this constrained economic environment.”

Although women seem to be more proactive, men seem to feel more confident in making themselves heard, with 39 per cent of men negotiating a pay rise, compared to only 26 per cent of women. When asked who they turn to for career advice, only 14 per cent said a formal mentor, with over half instead preferring to talk to family, friends or colleagues.