09.10.17
Teams of even gender mix perform best, NR finds
Network Rail has published a report showing that diverse teams perform better, particularly when it comes to gender mix.
The report found that teams with an even balance of men and women perform the best, with teams that meet the 20% critical minimum threshold mix delivering notable improvements.
Benefits noted included more engaged and motivated teams, lower rates of sickness, improved productivity and more collaborative working.
In March 2017 Network Rail set a target of increasing female representation of its 37,000-strong workforce from 16% to 20% by 2020.
Mark Carne the infrastructure owner’s chief executive, speaking at Network Rail’s ‘Everyone Summit,’ discussed why gender diversity matters.
“The truth is that as a leader, a manager, a husband and a father, what troubles me most is the thought that talented women in my life might not reach their potential because men like me did not do enough,” he said.
“Gender equality is definitely unfinished business, but I want the railway to play its part in finishing what it helped start over one hundred years ago.”
Carne also revealed plans to change the way in which Network Rail recruits to attract women, spur better retention of female employees by creating a more inclusive work culture, ensure the best women are supported to progress, and reduce gender stereotyping of children.
“We live in a world where 51% of people are women and our workforce should reflect that,” the continued. “We provide a public service and we will do a better job if the people who work for us reflect those we serve.”