Incumbency threatens women’s ability to climb the corporate ladder

The following is an excerpt taken from a Malta Today article.

Elsewhere in decision-making, the power of incumbency threatens women’s ability to climb the corporate ladder.

Marisa Xuereb, the Chamber of Commerce president, said it was not uncommon for people to sit on the same company boards for decades, even if it is unhealthy for the organisation.

“Older men tend to hang onto company boards far longer than they stay in executive positions. Of course, experience has value at board level, but so does new blood,” she said.

Overall, Xuereb thinks workplaces are becoming more accommodating. The work from-home set-up has become more available for office workers in particular, making more jobs accessible for mothers with young children who need to be at home after school hours.

“I believe the shortage of human resources is pushing companies to become more flexible in their approach. It pays companies to accommodate capable women because talent is hard to come by.”