Empowering Women at Work
As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to highlight the empowerment of women in the workplace. This occasion provides an opportunity to recognize the strides made in gender equality, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and emphasize that true empowerment extends beyond professional growth. It encompasses the overall well-being and psychological safety of individuals, creating a foundation for their best potential. Building a culture that inspires everyone to reach their highest capabilities is central to this concept. At Wondersource, aligning with this year's theme, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress," we ardently advocate for the empowerment of all individuals to unleash their innate talents. We firmly believe in the presence of genius-level abilities within, requiring the right support to manifest. This blog post explores the crucial role of workplace empowerment, underscoring the importance of health support and shedding light on alarming statistics concerning burnout affecting women in the workforce.
Professional Growth and Beyond:
Empowerment at work begins with providing women equal opportunities for professional growth. According to Deloitte’s Women at Work 2022: A Global Outlook women were more likely to be looking for a new role than they were a year ago, with burnout being the main driving factor: nearly 40% of women actively looking for a new employer cited it as the main reason. For those who had already left an employer since the start of the pandemic, “lack of opportunity to advance” was the most common reason. However, supporting women extends beyond job titles and promotions—it encompasses creating an environment that supports physical and mental well-being. Recognising and addressing the unique health challenges women face is an essential aspect of building an empowered workforce.
Health Support for Menopause:
Menopause is a natural phase of life for women, yet it often comes with physical and emotional challenges. Empowering women at work involves acknowledging and addressing these challenges. Forward-thinking organizations are implementing health support programs tailored to the needs of women experiencing menopause. This may include educational resources, access to healthcare professionals, and workplace policies that accommodate the specific needs of women during this transition. Fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere for individuals impacted by menopause is not just a moral imperative but also a measure that can avert:
Eroding one’s confidence in their skills and capabilities
Feeling like they need to take leave from work and hide the reasons for it
Escalating mental health issues, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression
Leaving their job
Burnout Statistics: A Wake-Up Call:
Statistics on burnout reveal a concerning trend, with burnout from workplace stress at an all time high and women bearing a disproportionate burden. Women have reported higher levels of burnout than men for years, a gap that has more than doubled since 2019, Gallup reports. According to a recent study by Future Forum, two types of people, are at a greater risk of burning out than everyone else: women and workers under 30. Nearly half (48%) of 18-to-29-year-olds said they feel drained compared with 40% of their peers aged 30 and up, while women (46%) reported higher levels of burnout than men (37%). Recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing strategies to mitigate its impact are crucial components of an empowerment-focused workplace.
Promoting Stress Management and Mental Health:
According to latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, the number of women experiencing work-related stress is 50% higher than for men of the same age. Moreover, recent anxiety statistics also highlight that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder compared to men. Empowering women at work involves prioritising stress management and mental health support. In addition to addressing burnout, organisations can create a supportive atmosphere by promoting open conversations about mental health, offering employee assistance programs, and fostering a culture that values work-life balance. By destigmatizing discussions around mental health, workplaces contribute to a more inclusive and empowering environment.
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Flexible work arrangements are a cornerstone of women's empowerment. As women navigate various life stages, including menopause, caregiving responsibilities, and personal pursuits, offering flexibility becomes essential. Organizations that embrace flexible work arrangements not only support the well-being of their female employees but also contribute to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
Empowerment Through Education:
Education is a powerful tool for empowerment. Providing resources and classes on health, mental well-being, and navigating professional challenges enhances employees' knowledge and resilience. Empowering women through education fosters a sense of control and confidence in managing their overall well-being and career trajectory.
Conclusion:
International Women's Day serves as a reminder to celebrate the achievements of women and advocate for continued progress. Prioritizing a genuinely inclusive culture must be a central focus for every corporate agenda. Empowering women in the workplace is not only about levelling the professional playing field but also about fostering holistic well-being and cultures that support each individual to thrive. By addressing health challenges, particularly those related to mental health and stress management, acknowledging burnout, promoting mental health, offering flexible work arrangements, and prioritising education, organisations can create environments where women truly thrive. As we reflect on the journey towards equality, let us commit to building workplaces that empower women in every aspect of their lives.
===============
Curious to learn more about Wondersource’s Mental Fitness, Holistic Health and Professional Development classes? All our series are virtual 60 minutes x 6 sessions, led by world class experts and designed for the most ambitious teams of all sizes globally. Employees experience greater job satisfaction and engagement, improved mental health and feel better equipped to excel in their roles when they engage with Wondersource’s programming. If this resonates, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hello@wondersource.co or book in a call. We’re passionate about helping employees globally live mentally healthy, healed and thriving lives.
#internationalwomensday #womenshealth #workplacewellness #workplacewellbeing #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #mentalhealth #mentalfitness #menopause #holistichealthcare #hrstrategy #hr