Shipping is significantly lacking ethnic and female representation at the senior level, according to a survey from the Diversity Study Group.
However, employers are increasingly keen to embrace the benefits of DEI (diversity, equality, inclusivity) data to support decision-making and respond to the growing importance of DEI issues to employers and new recruits.
The data showed 27% of C-Suite positions are currently held by women, dropping to 14% for the Heads of Department level. However, this gender imbalance is not reflected at junior and trainee level, where the split is 63% female and 35% male.
The survey also explored the gender divide between departments. IT remains the most male-dominated department with 82% of its workforce identifying as male.
This is closely followed by technical & fleet operations, with only 19% of roles being filled by women. In comparison, there is a higher representation of women in finance, human resources, administrative and support roles, as well as legal, insurance, and middle-office areas.
Other sectors are making considerable investments in time and resource as they adapt their business strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace culture. If shipping fails to do so, it risks falling behind at a time when DEI has become essential to building a resilient and relevant sector, one that can thrive and progress
Heidi Heseltine, Co-Founder of the Diversity Study Group, commented.
Considering the above, and in order to help make it relevant and to embed real change, employers are encouraged to articulate to their teams why diversity, equality, and inclusivity matters to them.
Finally, there was also an appetite from employees for more training on DEI issues, more learning and personal development opportunities, and a more consistent application of policies and processes to provide equal opportunities.
