Fewer women then men want promotions

"LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Co. just released their 2025 Women in the Workplace report based on a survey of 124 organizations employing around 3 million people. The survey research found that while companies overwhelmingly say that diversity (67%) and inclusion (84%) are top priorities, just over half (54%) of companies say the same about women's career advancement. For women of color, only 46% of companies value advancement. And while employers broadly say they value diversity, equity, and inclusion, one in six have reduced DEI budgets."

"The survey also revealed another worrisome trend. Across categories, women say they want to be promoted at lower rates than men. Only 69% of entry-level women want a promotion compared with 80% of entry-level men. Likewise, 84% of senior-level women want to be promoted, while 92% of senior-level men do. And overall, 80% of women overall say they want to be promoted to the next level, compared to 86% of men."

"Young women are extremely ambitious. In fact, women under 30 are more interested in being promoted than young men, but after 40, only 52% of entry-level women want to advance, while 71% of men still do. According to the report, the statistic seems tied to how much support men and women are receiving, which is far from equal. Only 31% of entry-level women have had a sponsor compared to 45% of men, which the report says can nearly double promotion rates."

Companies list diversity (67%) and inclusion (84%) as top priorities, but only 54% prioritize women's career advancement and 46% prioritize advancement for women of color. One in six employers have reduced DEI budgets. Across levels, women report lower promotion interest than men: 69% of entry-level women versus 80% of men; 84% of senior-level women versus 92% of men; overall 80% of women versus 86% of men. Women under 30 show higher promotion interest than young men, but interest drops after 40. Only 31% of entry-level women have had a sponsor compared with 45% of men, and sponsorship can nearly double promotion rates.

Read at Fast Company