Achieving a better work/life balance and taking on more stimulating work are the top attractions for women interim managers, according to a survey by Russam GMS.

The research found that 64% of women became interim managers to work more flexibly and 21% stated they wanted to take on more challenging work. These factors were considered more important than financial reward.

It found that 11% had left their jobs to earn more money, whilst only 4% switched to interim management to take on a more senior position.

The research found that achieving a more flexible working life was also considered the top benefit of working as an interim manager, according to 62% of respondents. And 17% felt that interim management enabled them to express their opinions more openly, while for 15% it brought an end to such monotonous work. Some stated that the opportunity to escape the office politics they associated with their former working lives was a major benefit (6%).

Anna Bishell, business development manager at Russam GMS, says: “There is a huge talent pool of women on the market who have not yet considered interim management as a solution to balancing a challenging career with a more flexible working life, which as our research clearly showed, is a top priority.”

Whilst interim management brings flexibility, it does have some drawbacks, with assignments meaning working away from home. However, just a quarter of respondents said they were unhappy about working away from home and only 17% disliked having to stay in B&Bs.