Promoting their achievements and accomplishments in the workplace is considered to be more difficult for women in Asia.

According to a survey of over 11,500 people globally from recruiting experts Hays, 47 per cent of women feel they can self-promote in their workplace. Of the 1,183 respondents across Asia, only 38 per cent said they have the opportunity to self-promote.

Looking at the countries in Asia more closely, Malaysian and Chinese women were most comfortable in promoting their accomplishments with 42 per cent saying they felt they could self-promote. Malaysia and China were followed by Singapore at 36 per cent and trailing behind were Japanese women at 35 per cent.

“Women in Asia are traditionally more reserved in the workplace, due to cultural preconceptions of a woman’s role in society, and compared to men, are less likely to ask for a pay rise or a promotion” says Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia.

Women also have differing priorities than men at certain stages of their lives, and many opt to put their career on the back-burner to raise a family.

“Employers have a role to play in fostering the confidence of their female workforce by opening channels of communication for them to promote themselves. Employers also need to ensure that the top jobs in their organisation are attractive to women. Women don’t necessarily crave the power that comes with a top job title like men do”, says Christine.

In addition, flexible working practices are considered by Asian respondents in the survey to be the most effective measure in improving gender diversity in the workplace. Employers should take such practical measures to encourage more women stay in the workforce after having children.

Self-promotion is one of the five areas that the Hays Singapore 2016 Gender Diversity Report, released today, explores. In addition, the other areas covered include ambition, equal pay, career opportunities and gender diversity policies.

Also featured in the report, are interviews of successful women from Singapore, who share their thoughts on the gender divide and how it has impacted them in their careers.

Download a full copy of the Hays Singapore Gender Diversity Report here.

Hays is located in Singapore at Level 27, UOB Plaza 2, 80 Raffles Place, Singapore. Phone +65 6223 4535 or email lynne.roeder@hays.com.sg. Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

For further information please contact Kerryn Celine, Marketing Project Manager, Asia at Hays, on +61 2 8226 9844 or kerryn.celine@hays.com.au