Women In The Workplace: Why Women Make Great Leaders & How To Retain Them

Women’s contributions to society have always been important but often overlooked or unappreciated. The same is true for women in the workplace, where they have faced numerous challenges ranging from gender bias to a lack of career advancement opportunities. Despite these challenges, women have repeatedly demonstrated that they are exceptional leaders.

According to research, companies with more women in leadership positions are more profitable and innovative. Women are known for their communication skills, emotional intelligence, and collaborative approach, all required for effective leadership. Nonetheless, the number of women in leadership positions remains low, with only a small proportion of women holding top executive positions. With that in mind, let’s look at why women make for great leaders and how we can retain them.

Women in Workplace: Breaking Through and Leading the Way 

Women bring distinct skill sets and characteristics to leadership positions. A meta-analysis reveals that women are more collaborative, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent than men, making them effective communicators and relationship builders. These characteristics are especially important in today’s workplace, where teamwork and collaboration are required for success.

Women leaders are also more inclusive and diverse in their decision-making, which can lead to better business outcomes. Companies with more diverse leadership teams are more innovative and profitable. Women leaders are more likely to consider opposing viewpoints and make decisions that reflect the needs of a diverse set of stakeholders.

Furthermore, women are often natural problem solvers, capable of devising innovative solutions to complex problems. They are also skilled at juggling competing demands and balancing multiple priorities, making them effective managers and decision-makers.

Despite these enterprising qualities, women in the workplace continue to face barriers to leadership. Gender bias and stereotypes can limit their career advancement opportunities, and many women struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. Organizations that prioritize gender equality can benefit from the unique skills and perspectives that women bring to leadership positions.

Workplace Challenges that Women Confront 

Women continue to confront various obstacles, limiting their opportunities and preventing them from reaching their full potential. Here are some challenges that make the workplace for women miserable:

– Gender Pay Gap 

Women usually earn less than men in nearly every industry and occupation. Lower salaries can lead to fewer opportunities for promotion and professional development, which can have a long-term impact on women’s financial security and career advancement.

– Bias and Discrimination 

Gender discrimination and bias limit women’s opportunities for advancement and leadership. Women may not get promotions because of gender, and their skills and qualifications may be undervalued. This bias is especially pronounced in male-dominated industries, where women may be isolated and excluded from networks for professional advancement.

– Work-life Balance 

Women continue to face problems with work-life balance and caregiving responsibilities. Women’s ability to devote time and energy to their careers may be limited by the expectation that they will perform most household and caregiving duties. As a result, women may be forced to choose between their personal and professional lives, with many opting to scale back their ambitions or leave the workforce entirely.

– Workplace Harassment 

Workplace harassment can make it difficult for women to work. Sexual harassment, in particular, has been shown to negatively impact women’s mental health, well-being, and ability to perform their duties effectively.

Empowering and Retaining Women 

As the world deals with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of women in the workplace is more pressing than ever. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women, with job losses and caregiving responsibilities taking a toll on their careers. It is critical that we not only acknowledge but also take steps to retain women since it is critical to fostering a diverse workplace that benefits everyone. The below strategies assist in retaining women and supporting their professional development:

– Address the Gender Pay Gap

Organizations should conduct regular pay audits, promote transparency, and ensure women are paid fairly. Pay equity is essential for retaining women in the workplace because it ensures they are equally compensated for their work and contributions.

– Promote Diversity and Inclusion 

Inclusion can be promoted by creating a culture that respects the contributions of all employees, regardless of gender. This includes eliminating bias in recruitment and hiring practices, promoting diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth for all employees.

– Offer Flexibility 

Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible hours, can assist women in balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. It is especially important for women who have young children or elderly relatives who require care.

– Provide Career Development Opportunities 

Opportunities for career development, such as mentoring, coaching, and training programs, can assist women in developing skills and advancing in their careers. Organizations can also provide leadership development programs aimed specifically at women, assisting them in developing the skills and networks required to succeed in leadership roles.

– Address Workplace Harassment 

Harassment can create a hostile work environment, leading to high turnover rates. Organizations can address these issues by establishing clear policies and procedures for reporting and dealing with harassment and discrimination, providing training on these topics to all employees, and fostering a culture that values respect and inclusivity.

Organizations must make concerted efforts to create a safe workplace for women. Addressing women’s unique challenges and creating a culture that supports their contributions is also essential.

Conclusion

Women make for great leaders; however, they face numerous challenges related to gender bias, work-life balance, and harassment. Organizations must address these challenges to retain women in the workplace. Making the workplace more inclusive and equitable benefits everyone because it leads to higher employee engagement, greater creativity, and innovation.

“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women,” Madeleine Albright once said. Our collective responsibility is to support and advocate for a safe workplace for women where gender is not a barrier to success. Join or support organizations that promote workplace equality. Many organizations, including Arthur Lawrence, work to advance women in leadership and to break down barriers to gender equality. Our small actions can have a big impact. We can help build a more diverse and inclusive work environment that benefits everyone by supporting women in the workplace.

Read Also: Importance Of Promoting Gender Equality