The best man for the job just might be a woman.
Milwaukee-based Manpower is named one of PINK magazine's 2008 "Top Companies for Women," particularly in top leadership roles. Manpower Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres says this acknowledgment just feels right.
"Because we put a lot of time in — not just with women but — with many other diversity efforts. As a result, to be recognized by PINK magazine as the place to be if you want to be a very career-oriented woman, it fits us very well and we feel very proud to have been honored."
Joerres says Manpower values diversity in thought and experience. The company realizes that moving women to the top goes beyond issues like maternity leave and flex-time. Joerres says it's also about having an environment where a woman can be successful.
In addition to growing the female talent within the organization, Manpower also promotes women to other companies, mostly by example. And Joerres says he hopes it "rubs off" on the community and their clients.
"When we go to a meeting with a client or a prospect or in the community and eight of our nine participants are females, it says something right away. When communities or companies ask for 'give us your best two people for this project' and both two people are females, it just promotes the whole idea that it's about talent and great talent whether it be male or female."
Over 70 of Manpower's workforce is women, with women making up 40% of the company's Executive Management Team and 43% of country managers worldwide.
The list of the Top Companies for Women will be featured in the magazine's September/October issue, hitting newsstands August 26th.