According to a new study, a US election victory for Kamala would have a positive effect on women at work in the UK.
Culture Amp, a platform for employee experience in the UK, found that two thirds of senior decision-makers believe a victory by the Democrat candidate will positively impact the way women are perceived at work and their ambitions to be leaders.
Harris currently serves as US Vice President – she is the first African American woman and Asian American woman (she has Indian Jamaican heritage).
Culture Amp found that 68% felt that more women will feel confident in applying for senior positions if Harris wins the election this coming week (5 November). This was true for 74% female respondents and 65% male respondents.
Culture Amp’s research found that more black respondents (81%) than white respondents (66%), thought a Harris win would encourage women to pursue senior positions.
The younger workers are more optimistic than the older ones about the status of women in the workplace. 70% of 16-24 year-olds believe that Harris’ appointment will lead to a better position for women, as opposed to 52% of those over 55.
Harris’ election as president would also increase the confidence of 65% of 25-34 year olds in equality at work. Over half of those in the 45-54 age group and almost half of those over 55 felt that this was the case.
According to the research, 64% of respondents who were black and 59% of those from multiple ethnic backgrounds believed that equality would improve.
Melissa Paris, Culture Amp’s director of people sciences, stated: “Regardless of who wins the US elections, leadership changes can indicate new beginnings or an energy injection, as well as a pivot to strategic direction.
Leadership positions have a direct impact on employees across an organisation, except in the case where the US elections are being watched by the world.
Culture Amp’s global data shows that 30% of boardroom seats are occupied by women, yet they still experience inequity and exclusion in their organization despite their seniority.
She said: “It’s not surprising that people across the globe will be taking notice if Kamala Harris becomes President. This would give her the power to change the world. We are likely going to raise our optimism in equality as a result.”
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The election of Harris alone is unlikely to have a significant impact on the gender equality gains made by any company.
Companies that wish to leverage this positive shift to promote equity must harness the momentum and implement structural DEI programs that are evidence-based. This is a great time to start or to recommit.
