Women Less Likely Than Men to Use Mentoring Programs: Edward Jones

Another reason might be anxiety – high-risk situations tend to increase anxious feelings in women. According to a 2014 study presented by the American Sociological Association, women may be more anxious in certain workplace situations because the circumstances are risker for women than they are for men.

"People frequently encounter high-risk, high-reward situations in workplaces, and if women avoid these situations or perform more poorly in them because they are more anxious, they will reap fewer rewards than otherwise similar men," said Susan Fisk, one of the study's authors and a doctoral candidate in sociology at Stanford University.

Schehl says that this issue goes beyond women "leaning in" – a term popularized by Chef Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook – and taking advantage of the workplace programs. Schehl says that this issue goes beyond women "leaning in" and taking advantage of the workplace programs. "At Edward Jones, we have seen and heard many examples where women advisors and associates see asking for help as a sign of weakness, for fear that others will perceive they cannot be successful if they raise their hands for additional support," she said.

The company offers woman-focused programs, as well as non-gender-specific support and training. Advisors have access to a trainer who can provide one-on-one support to help build their own personal practice, Schehl said.

She also adds that when successful women are acknowledged in the organization and they are able to share their stories, participation rates in these mentorship programs will increase.

"At Edward Jones, we are working to address some of the issues that prevent women from seeking a mentor or sponsor in the workplace through our Women's Initiative for New Growth Strategies (WINGS) program," said Schehl. "The program is built on the success of employees who take pride in onboarding and coaching new women financial advisors. However, there is an important give-and-take here that countless studies have proven."