Gender gap: Qlik survey finds men continue to dominate workplaces

DATA analytics company Qlik says the gender gap shows little sign of decreasing in Australian workplaces.

Qlik Australia and New Zealand regional director Sharryn Millican.

Gender gap

DATA analytics company Qlik says the gender gap shows little sign of decreasing in Australian workplaces.

Qlik Australia and New Zealand regional director Sharryn Millican says boardrooms remain largely male-dominated.

Data obtained through Qlik’s Sense app shows men still hold 95 per cent of chief executive positions at ASX top 200 companies. Men reach the top of the corporate ladder at a younger age, with the youngest male chief executive aged 37, while the youngest female is 47.

The Qlik research also found men remain in the top spot later in their career with the oldest chief executive being 72, and the oldest female 58. The average age of both male and female chief executives is 54.

Most chief executives attended university, at 96 per cent, with more than half attending an Australian institution.

“It’s surprising to see that little has changed when it comes to the lack of gender diversity in the boardroom and the fact that the average CEO is still likely male and in his 50s,” Millican says. “It is also interesting to discover that you don’t necessarily need to attend the top universities around the world and only study business or commerce to become a CEO.”

The company found women earn a higher annual salary — receiving an average of $4.1 million — compared to their male counterparts at $2.5m, because female chief executives are better represented in banking and finance.

We love the boss

HUMAN Resources company Randstad’s Workmonitor report shows relationships between workers and their employers are improving, with 73 per cent satisfied in their roles.

The happiness rating ranks Australian workers the second highest in the Asia Pacific behind India, where 81 per cent of workers were happy.

The Workmonitor shows dissatisfaction has decreased from 12 per cent in the first quarter of last year to 7 per cent in the fourth quarter.

Employment market analyst Steve Shepherd says work was once considered the ball and chain for many Australian workers because they were tied to their desks.

“With flexible and mobile working options coming to the fore, there is a sense of empowerment, independence and trust, which is necessary in any relationship,” Shepherd says.

“Employees have been putting in the hard yards over the past few years with uncertain economic conditions. We’re now seeing more confidence and willingness on behalf of employers to recognise and reward their people for their hard work and contribution to the business.”

The report found all employees working in the aerospace sector were satisfied or more than satisfied with their job, followed by workers in mining and utilities (94 per cent), education and communications (83 per cent) and construction (80 per cent).

Younger generations were more satisfied with their employers than older workers.

Starters aged 18 to 24 were the most satisfied (81 per cent), followed by 25 to 34 year olds (76 per cent).

Hall of famers

BLOGGER and entrepreneur Mia Freedman, personal trainer and diet advocate Michelle Bridges and Barb de Corti of Enjo headline a group of 18 women who have been inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Network 2015 hall of fame.

In its 18th year, the award recognises women from diverse industries who have been trailblazers and have inspired others as they succeed.

Chief executive Suzi Dafnis says the hall of fame is designed to inspire Australian women with stories of entrepreneurial success and notable achievements from business owners. “The aim is to shine a light on female entrepreneurs, a group that is under-represented by other awards programs,” she says.

Other inductees include Envirobank’s Narelle Anderson, Ulli Spranz from B-d Farm Paris Creek and Abigail Forsyth from KeepCup.

AIM for excellence

NOMINATIONS are open for the Australian Institute of Management’s excellence awards. The awards celebrate the individual contributions and achievements of outstanding managers, rather than the businesses or organisations they own or run.

AIM members can nominate exceptional managers or themselves until July 17. Details: www.aimawards.com.au