Should Kamala Harris become the next US President, two thirds (65%) of senior business decision makers in the UK agree that it would positively change both how women are perceived in the workplace and their ambition to strive for senior roles in their organisation.
This is according to new research, commissioned by employee experience platform Culture Amp which also finds that 68% of respondents (74% of women and 65% of men) agree that should Ms Harris win November’s election, more women would be encouraged to apply for senior roles. Notably, and unsurprisingly given the Presidential candidate’s ethnic background, 15% more Black respondents (81%) than White respondents (66%) subscribe to this opinion too.
Millennials are the age demographic with the most optimism about Ms Harris’s potential appointment: 72% of those aged between 25 and 44 agree that more women would be reconsidering their career opportunities compared to 61% of the over 55s.
The research, gathered from 1007 business decision makers by market research company Censuswide, also found that 65% of women and 59% of men agree that Ms Harris’ appointment would see women having a stronger status in the workplace. Once again, the younger age demographic is more optimistic – 70% of 16 – 24-year-olds agree compared to 52% of the over 55s.
Additionally, 65% of those aged 25 – 34 say that Harris winning the Presidency would increase their confidence in there being equality at work while a more modest majority (52%) of the 45 – 54 age bracket and nearly half (47%) of over 55s agree. The research also shows that 64% of Black respondents, 59% of those with Multiple Ethnic backgrounds; 57% of Asian and 58% of White respondents agree that equality would be improved.
Melissa Paris, director of people science at Culture Amp, suggests that while US election outcomes don’t directly impact companies worldwide, changes in leadership often bring a sense of new direction and optimism. She notes that, unlike other roles, prominent leadership positions influence a large number of employees and draw global attention, particularly in high-profile cases like the US presidency.
Paris shares that Culture Amp’s data reveals women hold around 30% of boardroom seats but still face exclusion and inequity. Kamala Harris, if elected President, would symbolise progress toward gender equality, inspiring hope for women globally. However, she cautions that Harris’s election alone wouldn’t be enough to achieve structural gender equity within individual organisations.
Paris concludes:
Companies that want to use this positive transition to drive equity will need to harness this momentum to implement evidence-based, structural DEI programmes. This can be a powerful moment to take initial steps or recommit to previous intentions.
Melissa Paris, director of people science at Culture Amp
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.