An Accenture survey of 3,600 professionals from medium to large organisations in 18 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa found that 46 per cent of women and 49 per cent of men said they are not being challenged significantly in their current roles, yet more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of all respondents are confident of their skills and capabilities. These skills include the ability to manage their workload and deadlines, to delegate tasks and to negotiate (reported by 70 per cent, 68 per cent and 65 per cent of respondents, respectively).  

The research, released as part of Accenture’s celebration of International Women’s Day, also found almost six in 10 women (59 per cent) believe their careers are successful or very successful. Additionally, nearly half (46 per cent) that consider themselves very successful reported they are in jobs that require them to stretch beyond their expected responsibilities. 

Yet, these women are challenging themselves further: more than eight in 10 women (81 per cent) who consider themselves ‘very successful’ said they take on additional responsibilities and complexity to advance their careers, and three-quarters (75 per cent) reported that they regularly stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone.
They are also learning new skills that can help them move to the next level, are willing to consider a new position or role, are willing to travel globally to conduct business or build relationships and regularly ask for new challenges (reported by 78 per cent, 76 per cent, 68 per cent and 65 per cent, respectively). 

“This untapped potential offers great promise for organisations, which should engage their employees and build confident individuals with deep skills and capabilities,” said Armelle Carminati, managing director of Human Capital & Diversity at Accenture. “Through an agile and innovative approach to training and development, organisations can
help ensure their success, particularly in this constrained economic environment.”