AS the war for talent rages on, more than 70 percent of businesses are now working to create a more inclusive environment to attract and retain female talent, according to Grant Thornton International Ltd.'s Women in Business research, which surveys senior leaders from 5,000 businesses across 29 economies.

Now, with much of the world stabilizing and recognition coming from businesses that change is needed, the march toward more inclusive working practices to attract and retain a more diverse talent pool continues unabated. With nearly two-thirds or 57 percent of mid-market leaders expecting a skill shortage to be a major constraint to their businesses in the year ahead, Grant Thornton's research shows that in response, 95 percent of mid-market business leaders are now taking action to foster staff engagement and create an inclusive culture.