Mitie made mighty by a woman at the top: Diversity pays rich dividends for outsourcing specialist

Abstract

Purpose

This article's aim is to describe how strategic outsourcing and energy‐services company Mitie Group plc is helping more women to reach senior executive posts.

Design/methodology/approach

The measures the company has taken are described as well as some of the results they have achieved.

Findings

The article highlights measures including: a program to encourage women to return to work and develop their careers after taking maternity leave; a maternity‐coaching program to help to retain senior female talent; flexible working hours and a flexible‐leave system; home working and a compressed working‐fortnight option; child‐care vouchers; additional annual‐leave purchase schemes; a diversity week; a mentoring program for female rising stars; and a twice‐yearly employee forum at which gender achievements, progress and initiatives are discussed.

Practical implications

It is explained that the Mitie chief executive, the first Asian woman to head a FTSE 250 company, has set up and remains involved in a mentoring circle for black, Asian and minority‐ethnic women.

Social implications

The article points up the importance to society of ensuring that women enjoy equal opportunities in the workplace.

Originality/value

The article discusses a company that places huge importance on attracting and retaining female talent while delivering a supportive and inclusive environment for all its people.

Citation

(2012), "Mitie made mighty by a woman at the top: Diversity pays rich dividends for outsourcing specialist", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 20 No. 7, pp. 29-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731211270275