The Commonwealth Institute-Florida Releases Key Findings from First Statewide Study

Data shows women’s leadership in Florida is trending upward rapidly but there is plenty of room to improve when it comes to retaining and advancing women

MIAMI (April 26, 2022)—The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) today has published this white paper highlighting key findings and implications from its inaugural Women’s Leadership Development Impact Study—the first statewide study to better understand employers’ actions to develop, retain, and advance women employees in Florida. 

Read the full report here.

With support from presenting sponsor Florida Blue, key sponsors PNC Bank and Kaufman Rossin and more than 20 partner organizations, TCI conducted the benchmark study through a confidential online survey that was distributed statewide earlier this year. The survey was provided to companies across industries, of varying sizes and stages—from startups to established corporations. 

The study found that while 83% of companies have goals to address women’s leadership roles only 45% have dedicated resources to identify and track high-potential women. The survey looked at internal and external programming—from networking events and mentorship matching programs to women’s leadership conferences and individual leadership development programs. 

Surprisingly, the study also found that 97% of companies have not realigned their financial support for women’s initiatives during the pandemic. However, 67% of respondents offered extended work-from-home and flexible hours with more than half of those intent on extending those policies post-COVID. 

“The pandemic highlighted the outsized burdens women carry when it comes to household responsibilities and caregiving of all kinds, whether for children, aging parents, or health-compromised relatives. While some employers have provided the support women need to remain in the workforce, not all have met the challenge,” said TCI-FL Executive Director, Jacqui Kiviat. “Now we have a scorecard that provides businesses with an inventory of effective practices to advance women throughout the state. And just as important, we can also see practices that aren’t working.”

The study will be conducted annually to regularly measure what businesses throughout Florida are doing to create a pathway for women leaders and to create benchmarks for moving forward.

Please find below the links to the report and video conversation about the results with Florida business leaders.

Women’s Leadership Impact Study Report

Women’s Leadership Impact Study – Webinar With Key Florida Business Leaders