Men With These Four Names Outnumber All Women On Corporate Boards

Women everywhere, get ready to roll your eyes and sigh in a world-weary fashion.

A recently released Ernst & Young trend report states there are fewer total females on the boards of S&P 1500 businesses than there are seats filled by men named James, William, John and Robert.

Women hold a mere 16 percent of board seats, a number that slowly rose from 2013's 15 percent and 2012's 14 percent.

EY's findings, based on statistics taken from S&P 1500 companies' 2014 annual board meetings, indicate 81 percent of companies have "at least one woman" on the board of directors.

But, as those boards grow larger, the firm says it's difficult to determine whether boards are progressively more female or just adding extra seats as a form of appeasement.

The report refers to the increase of female presence in the corporate boardroom as a "slow march," even considering the fact women bring a markedly unique experience to the position.

EY's survey reveals nearly half the female directors of S&P 1500 companies this year are under the age of 60 and may serve on more than one public board. What's more, 42 percent have been tenured for five or fewer years.

Women are only marginally increasing their holds on board seats.

Most of these companies have at least one woman in a directorship.

Women are certainly bringing a new kind of world view to leadership roles.

Citations: Men named John, Robert, James and William outnumber all women on corporate boards (Mashable)