We’ve come a long way regarding women in the workforce, but there’s still more to do to make women feel like equals. This is when employers and managers need to step in and continue empowering women in the workplace.
According to Metlife’s Employee Benefit Trends Study 2023, women are 20% less likely to feel valued at work and 13% less likely to feel engaged. Additionally, financial health among women has decreased by 13% since 2022, three times the rate for men, with 50% of women attributing poor mental health linked to financial stress as the primary cause.
As we place emphasis on building a more inclusive and diverse culture in the office, we need to adopt strategies and ideas to continue to empower women in the workforce and promote a positive work environment for all.
5 Ways Managers Can Empower Women Leaders
Here are some effective ways to empower women and foster their growth within your teams.
1. Provide a supportive work environment
In order to help women feel supported in the workplace, be open to flexible schedules, prioritize mentorship and offer resources to promote work-life balance. Women often have to find a balance between their personal lives and professional selves. Having access to childcare, leave and other assistance will help working women focus on their professional goals as well.
Additionally, encouraging mentorship is a great way for women to seek advice, learn from industry leaders and get support from a professional who has experience in the same field.
2. Equal pay for equal opportunities
According to Google, as of 2024, women in the United States still earn less than men, with women working full-time and year-round making an average of 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. Financial stress among women can lead to poor mental health over time which can lead to stress and burnout. Ensure that your women coworkers are recognized for all their contributions and success and that they are compensated fairly within the team.
3. Reevaluate and implement fair policies
Proper family leave policies, pay equity and other opportunities need to come from within the company. This includes policies that also protect coworker’s mental and physical health. Women should also be able to work in a safe environment free of harassment and aggression, which needs to be formally implemented and included in all training programs.
4. Encourage open communication
Your female coworkers should be encouraged to speak up so that their ideas and contributions are heard. The workplace should be an environment to amplify women’s voices and help them succeed. This also includes open and honest communication and feedback to help professionals grow and improve.
5. Invest in inclusive leadership opportunities
A diverse team brings innovation and efficiency. Therefore, invest in your female colleagues and hone their leadership skills over time . You want to promote a culture of inclusivity where unique and diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and is empowered to contribute to the success of the business.
Continue to develop leadership skills among teammates and recognize all the ideas that come your way!
