Encouraging diversity and empowering women in the workplace is one of the most important aspects of creating long-term employees. Not only does women empowerment positively impact a firm’s overall performance and culture, but it also impacts their position in society as a whole.
Benefits of Women Empowerment at Work:
- Closing gender gap reduces poverty
- Giving them opportunities to learn increases economic growth
- Highlighting their voices shifts conversations around topics like sexual and physical abuse, which brings positive change in a society
- Diversity in the workplace leads to innovation
Five Ways to Empower Women in The Workplace
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Accommodate to their needs
Women’s needs cannot be clustered into one group. There are new mothers, single parents, fresh grads, and many more different seasons of life for women. Their needs will look different, and it can impact their work. For that reason, being flexible and accommodating can be the reason they feel supported.
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Promote women to leadership roles
Assuming that a woman cannot be in a position of leadership because of her nurturing and caring nature is a stereotype that many businesses lean into. They end up missing out on great innovative ideas and setting a culture that does not recognize their high achieving women.
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Amplify their voices
Encourage women to share their opinions and ideas in meetings. Not only will they be encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the table when they feel heard, but they will also speak up if they feel unsafe. Silence can stem out of fear of not being heard, which can let immoral and unethical behavior go unnoticed in a firm.
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Watch out for discrepancies between pay rates
Women should receive equal pay for equal work and experience. Making sure that women receive it is the way to make them feel valued and appreciated at work.
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Give them mentoring opportunities
Support can be offered to women in terms of training and mentoring groups by other women in senior positions. This can create a safe space and a solid foundation for women.
Reflection Questions
– What are barriers to female empowerment?
– How can I support other women in my organization?
– How can change in the workplace bring a change in society?
