HSBC

"It is hard to access the upper management. Join women focused associations and find buddies"

"A lot of the old boys network exists with regard to promoting "

"HSBC hasn't got things perfect yet for gender diversity, but there is a huge will and momentum to get it right."

"its a white boys club. Minority women will find it very challenging to move into positions of leadership, even if more than qualified to do so. Women who are getting promoted are non ethnic minority women"

"Ask to speak to direct reports of the individual to whom you would be reporting before taking a job "

"They promote gender diversity and value high-performing employees. Good group of people. "

"great flexibility. not so great career advancement. good momentum, interested to see if real change begins."

"Allows flexibility. Its a good job for lifestyle."

"Great place to work if you're in it for the slow and steady... Nothing happens quickly and management is constantly changing. However, maternity leave is 12 weeks paid and flexible work schedules and work from home are very common.l, making it extremely family friendly."

"Social activities are generally very male focused, partly makes sense due to the male client base. Salary levels are similarly low for men and women. Chances to progress are there for women but this then means focus needs to be on career throughout without breaks for having children etc. It's a big company so how women are treated very much depends on what department they work in."

"Work life balance is a lifelong goal. Don't expect it to be perfect and work on day 1. You can't give 100% to everyone all the time. Be realistic and accept when something is good enough."

"This is a great place to work if you are comfortable with where you are. Perfect role to focus on family but if you want to advance I'd find a smaller company."

"I worked there for 2.5 years, however while there wasn't overt sexism from the top down, I did find that colleagues would make sexist remarks 'one even called me a silly little girl' or in jest 'you silly slag' and that some of my views and work was dismissed as a woman - and I was treated more junior than male colleagues at the same level."

"This is a large, international company, so the culture varies by division, department and manager. So be sure to interview the manager and be ready to change to another department if a new manager brings in a less desirable or less supportive culture. Overall, the policies and culture support working women / parents."