Empowering Women in the Workforce: Part 1 of many

Fresh off an inspiring business summit jam-packed with women from all walks of life (big shoutout to Gabby at NGN for putting together such an awesome event!), I'm buzzing with energy. We learned, celebrated entrepreneurship, and forged connections that felt like they had real weight. It was a heartwarming experience, meeting countless women genuinely driven to lift each other up, in ways that are practical and impactful.

Women’s rights have always been extremely important to me. I have considered myself a feminist from a young age, refusing to do a dance recital at age 4 because they required me to wear fishnet tights- weird, right?  As a small child, it was my equivalent of burning my bra. Without women’s rights, there truly is no equality and that has been a big core value of mine from the start. Human Resources shouldn’t exist without the belief of ethics and equality. 

But here's the thing that continues to baffle me: even in this day and age—2023—gender roles still manage to sneak into the workplace, often starting with the hiring process. Women are sometimes boxed into the role of primary caregivers, and this assumption can overshadow everything else. Balancing a demanding job with caregiving responsibilities can feel like an uphill battle. I've seen talented women exit the workforce because the cost of childcare often outweighs their earnings.

Let's shift gears and dive into some practical advice for fellow small business owners. Here are concrete steps you can take to uplift women in the workforce:

1. Ditch the Bias When Hiring: Even though it's illegal to ask about age and family plans, biases can still seep into the hiring process. I've witnessed cases where excellent female candidates were passed over due to assumptions about future family plans. It's important to emphasize that this not only goes against ethical principles, but it's also against the law. A candidate's personal life is off-limits. Remember, diversity in perspectives adds value that no bias can match.

2. Policies for the Whole Family: Create or revamp your Parental Leave policy. Could it be more comprehensive? Think about offering a phased return to work or enhancing state-offered leave benefits. Just remember, be consistent with the benefits you’re providing to each employee. The recently introduced Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a step towards decency, yet it's a sad realization that such regulations are necessary. If you have a smaller team, mirror these principles in your policies – accommodate pregnancy-related needs with flexibility and empathy.

3. Embrace Flexibility: While having core business hours is important for operational efficiency, incorporating flexibility around those core hours can greatly benefit working parents and caregivers. Trusting your team to manage their time responsibly can lead to improved productivity and morale. If this level of trust is lacking, there might be underlying issues to address.

4. Thoughtful Benefits: While a comprehensive benefits package might not always be feasible for small businesses, consider implementing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs cover a wide range of support areas, including mental health and financial guidance. This can significantly contribute to your employees' well-being without burdening your resources.

Lastly, and arguably the most important….

5. Equal Pay, Equal Respect: Equal and fair compensation for women isn't just about numbers on a paycheck. It's a demonstration of respect for their skills and contributions. It's a cornerstone for creating an inclusive and thriving workplace.

While creating detailed leave policies might pose challenges for small businesses, remember that creativity can lead to solutions that work for both attracting talent and maintaining business operations. Having trouble finding what solutions are best for your business? I’m here to help!

Supporting women in the workplace involves a continuous commitment. Let's remember that the most impactful change starts with paying women fairly and equitably for their expertise. Equal pay isn't just a goal—it's the foundation for a workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we're not just building businesses; we're building a legacy of empowerment, progress, and positive change. 🌟🌍👩‍💼🤝 #WomenInBusiness #EqualityMatters #SmallBusinessEmpowerment