A recent study published in the Journal of Operations Management has found a statistically significant correlation between increased female representation in boardrooms and improved workplace safety outcomes. 

Fast Company reports that the study analyzed data from 266 publicly traded U.S. companies between 2002 and 2011, combining OSHA records, Institutional Shareholder Services data on board composition, and regulatory information from Violation Tracker. Across the sample, companies with a higher proportion of women on their boards experienced fewer recorded safety incidents, including worker injuries, shutdowns, and other operational disruptions. 

The relationship became stronger when women held positions of influence, such as committee memberships, within the board structure. According to the researchers, access to decision-making channels may amplify the impact of diverse perspectives on governance practices, including those related to risk, compliance, and employee welfare. 

The authors explained that gender-based differences in socio-cognitive processing may contribute to variations in how board members approach stakeholder interests and assess operational risk. Experience in areas such as community outreach and philanthropy, attributes more frequently associated with female directors in the study, may also inform board-level discussions around safety and compliance. 

While the connection between leadership diversity and financial performance has been the subject of previous research, this study is among the first to examine operational outcomes such as workplace safety. The author note that future research could explore how diversity at multiple organizational levels influences other aspects of firm performance.