Women Achieve Career Success Quicker if They've Worked Overseas, According to Global Survey

SYDNEY, March 7, 2011 - Professional women who want to advance their career and reach the
boardroom quicker should consider working overseas, according to a survey on
global mobility in the workplace by leading global recruitment agency
Hydrogen Group.

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110307/441554 )

The Global Professionals on the Move Report 2011 was commissioned by
Hydrogen Group and conducted by a consultancy project team from ESCP Europe.
Released today, it analyses responses from 2,637 professionals from 85
different countries with qualifications of a bachelor degree or above. With
the majority of respondents - 91 percent - already working abroad or looking
to do so, the survey offers unique insights into the experiences, attitudes,
motivations and priorities of highly qualified, high earning, professionals
from around the world on working overseas.

With 100 percent of women surveyed saying they would recommend working
abroad to others, the survey confirms working overseas to be an extremely
positive experience, with the vast majority of respondents reporting that it
has improved their career prospects, salaries, living conditions and personal
development.

It also offers fresh insight into factors affecting women progressing in
business, namely that they are not getting as much international experience
as men, thereby hindering their career progression, despite international
companies actively seeking out their talents.

Emma Halls, Director Hydrogen ANZ, said: "Our Australian clients are
increasingly requesting women with international experience. Australia is
addressing the gender divide with companies making a strong commitment to
gender equality. Banks seem to be leading the way, prompted by the ASX's
drive to place more women in senior positions, and even score-carding CEOs on
this statistic, helping instigate shifts in attitude. With gender diversity
at the forefront of our clients' minds, women with international experience
will see their CVs fast-tracked through to interview in Australia."

Hydrogen ANZ stated 30 percent of the candidates it places are women.

The survey also found:-

    - Virtually all (98 percent) respondents said they would recommend
    working abroad to others (100 percent of the women respondents)
    - Similarly, 93 percent reported they would go abroad again if given the
    chance
    - Men outnumber women four to one in working abroad - whilst women
    do express a willingness to relocate almost as much as men - 41 percent
    of women, compared to 46 percent of men - the reality of working abroad
    is still realised by more men
    - Of those Australians overseas 33 percent are women and 67 percent
    are men
    - 50 percent are in the 31-40 age group, 26 percent have
    children

Tim Smeaton, Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogen Group, commented on
Australia's popularity as a relocation destination:

"Australia's in the top three countries respondents said they would most
like to work in, for the second consecutive year. Although Australians
recommend working overseas, 40 percent wanted to return home (compared to
only 18 percent across other countries), recognising that no matter how good
the overseas experience is, Australia is still the best place to be long
term."

He added: "We produce the report to determine shifts in candidate
perceptions of overseas working. We envisage global mobility will play a
greater role in people's career decisions moving forward and have moved 40 of
our own employees around our global offices in the last 18 months, so we
understand the issues faced by both our candidates and clients when advising
them about relocation."

The second annual Global Professionals on the Move 2011 report is
available online at www.hydrogengroup.com

Media Contacts

Joanna Chumas - PR ANZ +44-785-554-7710
joanna@communicationsmanagement.co.uk

Emma Halls - Director Hydrogen ANZ +61(0)4-2475-5593
emmahalls@hydrogengroup.com

Joanna Chumas - PR ANZ +44-785-554-7710, joanna at communicationsmanagement.co.uk Emma Halls - Director Hydrogen ANZ +61(0)4-2475-5593, emmahalls at hydrogengroup.com