How Can We Support Women at Work?
Today I wanted to write something sensitive, crucial with deep humility.
I sincerely believe women pros are better at anything they put their heads & hands to so the more we write, the more we spread — the more the change may come.
Where are the special working hours for women?
Working women need ‘real tangible time’ for themselves and their families. Forgive the prejudice, but not many men rush home to cook, to wash and to take care of their immediate or extended families. Many countries culturally frown upon men doing domestic chores.
Are women even getting adequate rest?
The education system
Add one chapter in school curriculum every year, every grade. Educate the young, fertile minds. Sow the seeds early on. Change might blossom.
Shouldn’t male spouses be home makers?
Rhetorical! Reform the (social) mindsets. Shed and shred the legacy that men are the lone ‘breadwinners’. This is a massive one to change.
Create accounting heads
Set aside budgets and book them. Reorient austerity measures to favor opportunities for women. In constrained organizations, employees can contribute in simple ways. I remember, a lady professional worked peacefully because her organization helped her find a nurse to assist her ailing loved one. She was back to work in no time, assured that her biggest concern is taken care of.
Policies that help balance work and family
We need robust policies that support women professionals. The trick lies in not making fancy policies, dashboards and reports but regularly reviewing their implementations, challenges and measuring the ensuing impact. How about taking direct survey with the family members if they feel the difference? Government can and should mandate a review of working environment.
Incentives for hiring women professionals
In many firms that have strong policies and systems to support women professionals, unsung protagonists are toiling to onboard women talent. Bequeathing higher incentives and career promotions will help celebrate these protagonists. Not that it should require it but we start by showing our action where our will is.
Creche at every office
Let mothers bring their children. They can and will only if we had facilities where they can safely keep their little ones while they work. Most organizations don’t have creches.
Chief Diversity Officers
Can we not have CDOs who lead & run programs, events, and initiatives? Give these officers measurable goals, budget and dedicated executive support (a must). Let them weave the strands into the fabric of their organization’s business processes. Let them help create the space and the place of exciting work opportunities for women.
Steadfastness to commitments
Someone should audit the ‘committed’ processes and systems designed to support women professionals.
Reward organizations for their intent, the effort topped with an exclusive award for the best one.
Celebrate
That said, many earthly organizations are determined, relentless and working brilliantly to support women professionals. Let us please celebrate such organizations. Vocally.
