Women Hit Glass Ceiling Early, as Men Get Manager Roles Faster

While many efforts to boost women in business focus on meager numbers in the boardroom and executive suite, a new study shows female workers are at a disadvantage from the first rung of their career ladder.

For every 100 women who get promoted from an entry-level position to manager, 130 men advance, according to the study released Sept. 27 by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Co. Women lag behind men at every step, but the gap is largest at the critical point when they first could move into leadership.

“Women are hitting the glass ceiling earlier than people realize,” said Rachel Thomas, ...