A new study reveals that millennial men may be the most benevolent advocates of professional women seeking to break the glass ceiling in the workplace.
This new research from the Boston Consulting Group reveals that young male employees are more attuned to female coworkers as opposed to their older male counterparts. Millennial men are also more likely to assist with childcare and to be part of a “dual-career” household.
The study, titled “How Millennial Men Can Help Break the Glass Ceiling,” involved over 17,500 people working in companies all over the world. The results provide a stark contrast between older and younger male professionals.
According to the study, men under the age of 40 are not only more attuned to female coworkers but are also more flexible than older men. Seventy-three percent of millennial men told the BCG that they would be willing to adjust meeting times in order to accommodate employees who desire more flexible schedules, such as working mothers with young children.
Additionally, millennial men desire to see more support and flexibility from their places of employment so that they can maintain a healthy balance between work and family.
“Many young men increasingly want to take on a 50-50 split in responsibilities with their partner, take six months of paternal leave, or work part-time,” one survey respondent wrote. “But they often find there’s a lack of support [at companies]. The focus can seem to just be on women and flexibility.”
The study concludes with the evidence that millennial men are more willing to change their behaviors in the workplace. Three-quarters of men surveyed were willing to undergo bias reduction training in order to improve gender diversity. BCG writes that there is substantial evidence that gender diversity training is more effective when it involves men’s participation and support.
This generational mindset of young professionals indicates a more diversified and flexible world of employment in the near future, as millennials climb the corporate ladder and become the decision makers within industry.
Aubree Poole is a contributor for Red Alert Politics who enjoys traveling and composing music
