​IWD: #BreakTheBias with Andy Mackay

This International Women's Day, we interviewed some of our team asking them to share their thoughts on how we can #BreakTheBias.

We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.

#BreakTheBias with Andy Mackay, principal consultant at Eames Consulting in the UK.

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1. Which bias would you like to break about women at work in 2022?

The assumption that women are the primary caregiver for children and that men should not be expected to be on call for last-minute help.

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2. Within your market / industry sector, what progress have you seen businesses take to progress gender equality?

I’ve seen a positive impact on the returners scheme, targeting those with 12 months or more out of the sector. It offers paid placements to allow people to re-engage with the sector and have a platform – it’s not gender specific either.

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3. How can organisations support their employees in raising awareness against bias? 

Training is key and making people comfortable with the fact we all have innate bias, but being aware of it helps mitigate it by bringing in others who don’t share that bias and looking to them for input.

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4. What advice would you give aspiring women in the industry you work in? 

Do not assume commercial, sales, front office roles are not for women. The Alpha male stereotype is reducing year by year – also, take risks with applications, if you like the scope of a role, apply and see what happens.

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5. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? 

Mid-level retention. You cannot promote someone to a leadership role unless they are in the cohort to be considered. VP level is where women are most impacted by maternity leave, they need to be fast-tracked when they return to avoid falling behind male peers.