Ladies Who Do interview: Jan Hÿtch of Arnolds Keys Estate Agents
Over recent years, do you feel that the UK Estate / Letting Agency Industry have become more appealing for women to enter in to?
I think estate agency, whether sales or lettings, has always been a career of interest to women. Traditionally, women were the negotiators and administrator and men were the business and instruction getters. However, it is true that there has been greater opportunity in recent years for women to move up through the various roles to senior management and boardroom level, if that is their choice – certainly much more than when I started 30 years ago.
Many industries are mostly said to be male dominated, especially managerial and above level – Are women offered the same opportunities to hit the high flyer levels in the UK Property Industry?
It is not a question of being ‘offered’ opportunities in my opinion. Women have largely made their own opportunities by just being as good at the job as their male counterparts, and sometimes better. Most of us are working at – or are working towards – where we want to be, in terms of both seniority and job fulfilment. Most of the women I know are not interested in being given special treatment to enable them to move up through the ranks – they just want to be treated equally.
Do you feel that men are generally still paid more than women in this industry of ours?
I think there is little room these days, in a world of performance related earnings, for employers to discriminate around what women and men are paid for doing the same job. Especially if the employer wishes to be seen as a good firm to work for, and so to attract the best talent potential. Whatever the stereotypes have been historically, one thing remains the same – almost everyone begins their career in property as a trainee negotiator – male or female – and from that role they may choose to progress to become a valuer/lister, and from there towards more senior management roles, if that is their choice. I believe in this day and age there is just as much chance of a woman climbing that ladder as a man, IF they are both equally as good at all aspects of the job.
I am fortunate enough to know and employ some very impressive and capable men and women estate and lettings agents, and it is fair to say that those who are ambitious and conscientious for progression will rise to the top in this climate, whatever gender they are – and wherever their own personal view of ‘top’ is, which is just as important. Employers who discriminate, or hold to outdated gender stereotypes, will find their talent pool and ability to recruit and retain staff diminishes. Consequently, as the reputation of their firm as a place to work inevitably slides backwards, it will only take their business in the same direction ….
Thank you to Jan Hÿtch of Arnolds Keys Estate Agents
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