A report entitled: “The Balancing Act: a study of how to balance the talent pipeline in business” released by Inspire board network and Harvey Nash the executive search firm, has revealed that male-dominated corporate culture is the main barrier keeping women from reaching the boardroom.

It encourages HR management teams to develop a more diverse and equal culture in their company if they are to retain talented female employees.  The report was compiled after questioning 600 directors, CEO’s and senior executives.  23 per cent of those asked believed that male-dominated business culture was the single biggest barrier to progression for women and over half noted that they believed today’s negative corporate cultures are to blame for significantly reducing the length of time women are prepared to stay and develop their career with their employer.

The big four financial accounting firms, KPMG, PWC, Deloitte and Ernst & Young have all been recognised for their efforts to improve work for women by being named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2013 list.  All 50 companies on the list have measures in place purposefully to attract, retain and develop the careers of talented women.