The fourth in a series of white papers on women's careers, this report presents the results of a survey of 3,000 managerial staff in the United States and United Kingdom, based on IBM's 11 factor Career Progression Framework.
The factors measured for each gender include: career progression, by age group; intention to leave one's current role, by gender and age; the top factors underlying promotion, career satisfaction and intention to leave one's role for both women and men; work-life factors such as parenting, division of childcare labour and housework, and reported satisfaction with these arrangements; and use of flexible working arrangements.

Satisfaction with career progression and work-life balance were found to be the highest indicators of staff retention. Use of flexible working arrangements is linked with an improved sense of work-life balance for both men and women, as was equal sharing of labour at home. Men were more satisfied with their career progression and received more promotions than women. The top factors underlying women's successful promotion were attaining critical job assignments, networking and seeking opportunities. The report concludes with seven recommended actions for organisations to improve women's career progression.