Diversity, essential for growth

The variable that has the greatest impact on a company's bottom line is its employees. Business leaders always complain that there is a dearth of workforce talent and the workforce complains that they do not have suitable jobs. Aren't we tired of this argument? What is the best solution?

Talent

Most people may not know that the war for talent is heating up in the Sri Lankan market though unemployment is still a problem. We see more and more expatriate workers, male and female, at all levels penetrating the local job market. The trend seems alarming from an economic stand point.

We're approaching the war in the wrong way - bringing in expats to fill the gap.

As companies become strapped for talent it's important to be aware that an increased number of college degrees are going to women and that women are entering the workforce at a growth rate higher than ever before.

These women have better credentials, higher ambitions and greater loyalty and focus than their male peers. Many industries such as banking, advertising and hospitality have begun to see the pipeline being filled with women.

Skills

I have been vocal about Sri Lankan female talent. The reality today is that in most cases, the businesswomen's presence hasn't yet reached the top echelon in the right numbers but progressive companies will make this happen.

My experience is that some attributes women have will benefit the companies of the future - as more and more decisions will be driven by perceptions.

Women have greater ability to augment products or services to create the right perception. Women bring different skill sets to the table than men. Women think differently and strategically and are generally more creative than men.

Women better conform to and comply with rules and ethics. Women have intuitive skills, greater determination and courage. Diversity is an important element for organisations to have new dimensions and perspectives for winning strategies.

Change

For companies to employ women many things have to change. Conventional cultural forces - family-related 'pulls', such as daughterly duties to parents and in-laws, and work-related 'pushes', such as extreme hours and dangerous commutes - force women to settle for dead-end jobs, switch to the public sector, or leave the workforce entirely after a brief period.

Creating the right environment for women is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

Organisations on the other hand should put in place an overall framework for creating conducive workable policies and programs to ensure that women are recruited, retained and offered real opportunity within companies. The future of Sri Lankan companies is one of intense competition for talent.

Reputation

The smartest of these organisations, will discover the huge national talent pool of local women who are ready and willing to accept the challenge. Become a talent magnet by building a solid reputation as a company that hires and provides opportunities for talented women.

Male leaders should be conscious about the fact that it is for our country, for our sisters, daughters and granddaughters. So there is a benefit for us as well. Women have a serious role to play in the economic development of our country. Taking the lead, not following the men, as done in the past.

Don't waste public money spent on free education by being confined to meaningless traditional boundaries. Get the best use of it for you and your loved ones which will at the end help all Sri Lankans. This a transformation of woman to a professional.