What Women Want by Brian Everett, Editorial Director

What Women Want: Employers React to Their Needs

Brian Everett, ABC Group Editorial Director and Publisher Redefining the Road magazine

The transportation industry has made undeniable strides toward gender diversity in the workforce in recent years. According to the latest Women In Trucking (WIT) Index published in September 2019, which helps to quantify and measure gender diversity in the trucking industry, women account for at least 25 percent of executives and more than 10 percent of professional over-the-road (OTR) drivers. These numbers are significantly higher than just two years ago.

How is the industry making such a shift? Employers are realizing the value of hiring talented women and diversified workforces and making a conscious shift in corporate cultures, employment features and programs. They’re pivoting based upon what women generally look for when choosing their employer and career path. Factors include:

Corporate culture supportive of gender diversity. Organizations that value such diversity will benefit from a wider range of talents, perspectives and ideas.

Flexible hours/work requirements which help employees to meet family needs, personal obligations and life responsibilities. They also avoid traffic and the stresses of commuting during rush hour.

Competitive compensation/benefits. Today, there are more educated women than ever with specific training and skill sets, and they’re looking for fair pay and packages for what they bring to the table.

Training, continued education & development. Women want opportunities for continuous career growth and development, whether it be tuition reimbursement, additional training or attending events like WIT’s annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo.

Career advancement opportunities. While it’s well-documented that women generally view professional advancement as less important in their careers than men, this is quickly changing.

Well-maintained/safe equipment and facilities to continue to attract more female professional drivers to this traditionally male role.

As the editorial team at Redefining the Road magazine rolls out our second annual list of the Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation, these are the characteristics we looked for in the 150-plus nominations received. We’re impressed with what these progressive companies are doing to create more gender diversity in their workforce — and continue to encourage other companies to follow their lead.

We’re not just transporting valuable cargo. We’re helping to safeguard everyone else’s.

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