July 21--U.S. manufacturers should tap into the "full power and potential" of women to improve the sector's ability to compete worldwide, according to a study released Tuesday by the Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and the APICS Supply Chain Council.
The study found women comprise slightly more than a quarter of manufacturing employees but are seldom seen in the executive ranks, even though they make up nearly half of the total U.S. labor force.
Manufacturers are lagging behind partly because of "average" programs to recruit women, the study found. Companies are also doing a poor job of informing women about manufacturing careers and creating a positive perception of the industry. Companies also need to step up their efforts to retain women, it said.
A survey of more than 600 women included in the study found that they feel there is a double standard in the industry that benefits men. They also believe there is a pay gap, with women earning less than their male counterparts for the same job.
