Three immo women on diversity in the industry

What made the path to leadership open for you? And was it harder than for male colleagues?

LR: No, I can't remember feeling a glass ceiling where I got stuck at any point. Basically, I think that a professional career goes hand in hand with a lot of work and professional development and that performance pays off in the long term - regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. At C&W in particular, I felt valued and supported in terms of career and leadership. And I also think that society has already changed and opened up a lot when it comes to women in management positions.

 

Nevertheless, the figures show that women are still underrepresented, especially in senior management positions. Why is that?

Tina Reuter, Head of Asset Services EMEA : Unfortunately, in some companies there seem to be men on the board of directors and, also the level below, who want to “stay among themselves”. I am of the opinion that when it comes to equality in the world of work, society is not yet as advanced as is often suggested. So-called stereotypes and traditional role models, which are already conveyed in childhood, are just too firmly anchored in this country - mind you, also among the women themselves. When I was pregnant with my first child, I received critical looks from my own gender when I returned to full-time work immediately after maternity leave. Significant: Shortly afterwards I started in my leadership role at EMEA level - and suddenly I was no longer "branded" by my European colleagues when I told them that my daughter is only 8 months old and that I still have high professional ambitions. In most other countries and in an international context, this is completely normal.

VB: And even if you opt for a part-time model, it doesn't have to be an obstacle to leadership, but it depends heavily on the respective corporate thinking and culture. A team can also be led excellently with a reduced position. There are companies that have increased their performance with a basic 4-day week and are successfully managed. This idea gets out of balance when part-time work is only available to half of society - just as it often is, with women.

What else would have to change in order to further “straighten out” the imbalance on the upper storeys?

TR: Companies in this country have to see diversity as a strength - not as a disruptive factor - and promote diversity. And as a woman, you should demand this much more confidently and not allow yourself to be squeezed into old role models. I was fortunate enough to work in companies for which diversity was always important. Change will only succeed if the top of the company is open to new perspectives and exemplifies them.

LR: It is now clear that various teams have a positive effect on the working atmosphere, employee loyalty, image and performance figures. Diversity means competitiveness and for this reason alone, management teams with women are recommended.

 

Speaking of management team - in most studies on the subject of “women in the real estate industry”, mostly only those with management responsibility - and here often only at the highest level - are included. But what about all of those who make an equally large contribution to the prosperity of the industry? Are they also so underrepresented? And should that also be valued more in studies?

VB: I am proud that we have a 50-50 distribution among our workforce at C&W - across all levels. But looking at the top is particularly interesting because this is where the greatest differences usually still exist.

TR: That's right - at the higher levels, almost 80 percent of managers are men. In order to remain fit for the future, companies must now inevitably change their thinking patterns and structures in order to eliminate obstacles for women at all levels.

VB: And that goes far beyond gender or nationality. When choosing their employees and putting together their teams, companies have to look even more closely at the many other characteristics that make up diversity - introverted vs. extroverted, creative vs. conservative, sceptical vs. simply doers. The whole discussion about diversity has to become much more complex and profound in order to position itself as a company optimally for the future.

Yes, the future. What should the real estate industry look like in ten years with a view to (gender) diversity?

LR: Still fair - for all genders. For me, this means performance and result-based opportunities that are not influenced by quotas.

VB: The industry will definitely continue to be challenged for the next few years and has to make itself even more fit for the future with diversity at the top. Because this requires the most suitable people at decision-making level. And they don't depend on gender.

TR: Accepting diversity was an important first step that most companies have already taken. The next step has to be to consciously expand this diversity. I hope that corporate cultures will be fully open to different people in ten years' time. Each individual should be given the opportunity to contribute their full potential. And I am convinced that we will then no longer talk or discuss the conscious promotion of diversity. It should have become a matter of course.