Marching into Q2: Strategies for Growth and Inclusion
Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment
Empowering everyone we work with to achieve their goals and ambitions
As we step into the second quarter of 2025, it’s time to focus on strategies that drive success. From building inclusive workplaces to enhancing internal processes, this month we’re sharing insights to help you prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day on 8 March was a chance to celebrate women’s achievements, but it also highlighted the ongoing challenges around gender equality, especially in sectors like finance.
While there has been significant progress in increasing female representation within accounting and finance roles, the gender pay gap remains a persistent concern. Women continue to be underrepresented in senior positions, with recent data showing that for every ten men in leadership roles, there is still just one woman. The average gender pay gap in the finance sector stands at 23%, meaning women are still earning significantly less than their male counterparts for equivalent roles.
This disparity means that, on average, women in finance are effectively working over an hour each day unpaid compared to men, which equates to approximately 57 days of unpaid work over the course of a year.
If you don’t know the gender pay gap in your business, now is the time to find out. While companies with fewer than 250 employees aren’t legally required to report on gender pay, understanding this data is vital for creating fair and inclusive workplaces.
Diversity and inclusion aren’t just ethical priorities—they’re strategic business decisions. Companies that invest in inclusivity report a 57% improvement in team collaboration and a 19% increase in staff retention, potentially saving around ￡11,000 a year in recruitment and turnover costs.
Start with an internal audit to assess your business culture, policies, and practices. It’s a crucial step in creating an inclusive, compliant, and future-ready organisation.
Curious to learn more about gender inclusion in finance?
Recognising Employee Appreciation Day
1st of March was Employee Appreciation Day, and it’s an important reminder that retaining staff starts with recognising their value. At Cherry Professional, we appreciate the dedication of every professional we work with.
Here’s what some of our candidates had to say:
Get Ready for Q2 with Candidates Too Good to Miss!
Strengthen your team with candidates who are ready to hit the ground running. Here are some standout professionals who could make a real difference to your business.
The start of Q2 is the perfect opportunity to review your career goals or recruitment strategies. Whether you're looking for your next career move or seeking to strengthen your team, Cherry Professional is here to help.
Looking for your next opportunity or need support finding top talent?
Managing Director at Cherry Professional Limited - Relationship led Recruitment
5 天å‰Interesting information about women in finance...i.e. a 121% increase in women entering finance roles! Yet leadership positions remain male-dominated. For every 10 men in senior roles, there’s still only 1 female.