KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Women in Malaysia and China are the most comfortable among Asian countries in promoting their accomplishments with 42% saying they feel they can self-promote, according to a survey by recruiting experts Hays.

Next was Singapore at 36% and trailing behind were Japanese women at 35%, the survey showed.

Hays said promoting their achievements and accomplishments in the workplace is considered to be more difficult for women in Asia.

It said its survey of over 11,500 people globally showed that 47% of women feel they can self-promote in their workplace. But of the 1,183 respondents across Asia, only 38% said they have the opportunity to self-promote.

"Women in Asia are traditionally more reserved in the workplace, due to cultural preconceptions of a woman's role in society, and compared to men, are less likely to ask for a pay rise or a promotion," said Hays managing director in Asia Christine Wright.

She said women also have differing priorities than men at certain stages of their lives, and many opt to put their career on the back-burner to raise a family.

"Employers have a role to play in fostering the confidence of their female workforce by opening channels of communication for them to promote themselves," Wright said, adding employers also need to ensure that the top jobs in their organisation are attractive to women.

"Women don't necessarily crave the power that comes with a top job title like men do," she said.

In addition, the survey found that flexible working practices are considered by Asian respondents to be the most effective measure in improving gender diversity in the workplace.

Employers should take such practical measures to encourage more women to stay in the workforce after having children, said Hays.

Hays' survey also covered equal pay, career opportunities and gender diversity policies.

"While we have seen slight improvements in perceptions of equal pay and career opportunities year on year, in many cases employers are still not doing enough to narrow the gender divide in the workplace," said Wright.

"Many would argue that progress towards workplace gender equality is hindered by the lack of people, more often than not men, who fail to see any problem," she added.

Given that most people in senior leadership roles are still men, she said it is difficult to see how gender parity can be accelerated when many of those in positions of influence do not see any inequality to begin with.

"Being able to promote one's achievements is a key part of career development and reaching such roles. Employers should ensure opportunities are communicated to all and recognise and draw out the skills and ambitions of those around them," she said.