LOS ANGELES, May 8 /PRNewswire/ --
- Half of Executives Say the Situation Has Not Improved in the Last Five Years -
Despite great strides made in the global workplace, more than three-quarters of executives (76 percent) indicate that it is difficult for mothers re-entering the workforce today, according to the latest Executive Quiz from Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Almost half (49 percent) believe it is as difficult, if not more, for female executives intending to return to work than five years ago.
A likely explanation for the perceived difficulty may be that nearly half of executives surveyed (49 percent) work for companies where flextime is not offered for new mothers. Almost three out of four executives (69 percent) rank "flexible work schedules" as the most valuable benefit their employers could offer working parents. This was followed by telecommuting (17 percent) and on-site childcare (12 percent).
"Progressive companies that understand the issues surrounding the skilled talent shortage are paying close attention to the pool of female executives wishing to re-enter the workforce," says Ana Dutra, CEO of Korn/Ferry's Leadership Development Solutions business. "On a global scale change is slower, with employers only beginning to recognize the necessity of catering to working parents to attract and retain top executives."
When asked if maternity and paternity leaves were unfair to childless employees, the majority of executives (74 percent) indicate they do not believe them to be, while another 22 percent feel they are somewhat biased toward working parents.
Methodology
The Korn/Ferry International Executive Quiz is based on a global survey of executives registered within the firm's online Executive Center, ekornferry.com. Respondents from more than 50 countries, representing a wide spectrum of industries and functional areas, participated in the most recent Executive Quiz in April -May 2008.
About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry International, with more than 80 offices in 39 countries, is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent. For more information on the Korn/Ferry International family of companies, visit http://www.kornferry.com.
Web site: http://www.kornferry.com
Asia Pacific, Shireen Nisha, + 65-6231-6123, shireen.nisha@kornferry.com, or EMEA, Maggie Habib, +1-310-556-8532, maggie.habib@kornferry.com, or North America, Kevin Oates, +1-310-584-8331, kevin.oates@ketchum.com, or South America, Jose Luiz Schiavoni, +55-11-3457-0200, joseluiz@s2.com.br, all of Korn|Ferry International
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