Posted on: Feb 12, 2025
Introduction: The Rise of Women in GBS and Shared Services
In the fast-evolving landscape of Global Business Services (GBS) and shared services, the role of women is becoming increasingly influential. Once underrepresented in back-office leadership roles, women in GBS and shared services are now breaking barriers, leading major transformation initiatives, and shaping inclusive work cultures.
As organizations strive for operational excellence and digital transformation, empowering women in GBS isn’t just a diversity goal—it’s a strategic advantage.
Why Women Empowerment Matters in GBS and Shared Services
The global business environment is recognizing that gender diversity in GBS organizations leads to better decision-making, innovation, and overall performance. Companies with strong female representation in leadership roles tend to outperform competitors in productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
Empowering women in shared services also helps to address long-standing issues such as:
- Pay inequality
- Limited career advancement opportunities
- Underrepresentation in executive roles
Organizations are now actively supporting female leaders in shared services through mentorship programs, leadership pipelines, and inclusive workplace policies.
Key Challenges Faced by Women in Shared Service Centers
Despite progress, many women in the GBS space still face systemic and cultural challenges. Some of the most common include:
- Lack of visibility in large, matrixed organizations
- Gender bias in leadership evaluations
- Work-life balance pressures, especially in high-demand roles
- Limited access to sponsorship and advocacy
Understanding these barriers is the first step toward building a more equitable and empowered future for women in the GBS sector.
Success Stories: Female Leadership in GBS and Shared Services
Across the globe, many women are making their mark as trailblazers in the shared services industry. From CFOs leading global finance hubs to HR leaders transforming talent strategies, these success stories are inspiring the next generation.
Here are just a few examples of women executives in top companies reshaping the industry:
- A global head of finance operations leading automation initiatives in a Fortune 500 firm
- A regional GBS leader in Asia driving digital transformation and employee engagement
- A woman COO implementing diversity-first hiring practices across multiple service centers
These stories reflect the growing momentum behind female management success stories in business services.
Strategies to Empower Women in GBS and Shared Services
To build a more inclusive and equitable future, organizations must implement specific strategies to support and empower women in the workplace:
- Leadership Development Programs
Offer tailored leadership training and mentorship opportunities focused on advancing women in leadership roles within GBS.
- Sponsorship Over Mentorship
Encourage executive-level sponsorship to give women access to high-visibility projects and promotions.
- Flexible Work Environments
Support work-life integration through hybrid work models, wellness programs, and family-friendly policies.
- Data-Driven Inclusion
Use metrics to track diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) progress across shared service centers.
- Culture of Belonging
Create spaces where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought in decision-making processes.
By implementing these strategies, companies can make real progress in advancing women in global business services.
The Business Case for Gender Diversity in GBS
Studies consistently show that gender diversity in corporate leadership correlates with:
- Increased innovation
- Better risk management
- Higher employee engagement
- Greater profitability
For GBS organizations, where efficiency and innovation are key, having empowered women in back-office operations contributes directly to business outcomes.
When women are given equal opportunities, the entire organization thrives.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: What’s Next?
While progress has been made, the journey toward gender parity in GBS leadership is far from over. To truly break the glass ceiling in shared services, businesses must go beyond policy changes and focus on:
- Embedding inclusion in everyday operations
- Celebrating diverse leadership styles
- Listening to women’s experiences and acting on feedback
The future of GBS is diverse, agile, and inclusive—and women in finance and shared services leadership are leading the way.
Women Empowerment is a Strategic Priority
In today’s GBS and shared services environment, empowering women is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing. With their unique leadership qualities, collaborative approach, and resilience, women leaders in shared services are driving innovation and shaping the future of business.
Organizations that prioritize empowering women in GBS will be better positioned to lead in performance, talent retention, and global competitiveness.
Author:
Edyta Krzemińska
PR & Marketing Lead
