Logistics needs more women

The truth is, today, there just aren’t enough women in logistics. Women represent an enormous untapped resource in the overall talent pool in logistics, and with nearly every business in a war for talent, company leaders need to look more purposely to ensure they are tapping into all qualified people.

One of the missions of this year’s International Women’s Day is “to forge inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated.”

Gender diversity in the workforce results in a broader range of thought and experience—which in turn, challenges companies to look at new, innovative ways of working. This innovation helps to uncover new paths for growth that may not have been visible without a diversity of thought.

So, how can companies attract more women to the world of logistics? They can create a culture of equality where women thrive. To do that, companies need bold leadership, comprehensive action and an empowering environment that is rooted in respect and autonomy. There are four key actions companies can take to increase gender diversity in logistics.

1.) Set clear targets. The first important step is to set clear gender equality targets. These should be published publicly so leaders can hold themselves accountable and include KPIs that govern compensation. With transparent metrics, company leaders have an opportunity to engage in open, honest and meaningful conversations to further advance a culture of equality in logistics. At Accenture, we have set bold goals to achieve a gender-balanced workforce by 2025—and we are meeting our targets because we have created an environment in which women can thrive and grow.

2.) Open pathways for entry. One of the best places for change is at the entry level. With new technologies like robotics and automation, some of those perceived barriers for women in logistics can be removed by eliminating manual and potentially unsafe tasks typically tied to logistics employment. By paving ways for women to enter the industry in the first place, companies can then focus on creating opportunities to advance women in their workforce into leadership roles.

3.)Target women with a purpose. Currently, the logistics industry doesn’t always project an image that may be inviting to women. They see images of warehouse environments that are often gritty and noisy.

However, working in logistics and shipping can be exciting as it truly is an integral part of the company that makes the world run. In my own experience, I was blown away by the impact of transportation on the global economy when I joined an international shipping company. I gained a profound understanding of how nearly every industry and business function—manufacturing, sales, scientific research, medicine, construction—relies on products getting to the right destination at the right time.

What adds to the excitement of the industry is the growth in new and challenging roles in the sector that can be appealing to a gender-diverse workforce such as positions in inventory management, logistics engineering, supply chain management, regulatory management, etc.

4.) Create a culture for growth. This effort can’t stop when companies get women in the door. They need to create visible avenues for women to advance their careers and rise in the leadership ranks. This requires a culture that encourages and enables women to pursue leadership roles.

That means training supervisors throughout the company to recognize strong female performers and know the pathways—from mentorship to management training—that can guide them toward advancement.

Moreover, shifting opportunities to network from after work drinks, breakfast meetings or sports events to more inclusive events during working hours would enable those with other commitments to attend and could boost women’s aspirations while making them feel that they belong.

Clearly, the logistics industry should have more women in leadership roles. Companies can make this happen—they just need to make the commitment. And because we know change will not happen overnight, now is the time to get started.