Workplaces that value the contribution of women

by Team Iamsafeatwork

16-05-2023

Safety

In recent years, the global workforce has witnessed a remarkable shift towards inclusivity and gender equality. Nowadays, companies are recognizing the immeasurable value that women bring to the workplace and are actively creating environments that value their contributions. By fostering a culture of inclusion and empowering women, these organizations are not only creating a fair and equitable work environment but also driving innovation and success. There has been a notable rise in the ratio of female workers in traditionally male-dominated industries, signifying a positive shift towards gender diversity and inclusion. This trend reflects the breaking down of barriers and the increasing recognition of women’s talents and contributions in sectors that were historically dominated by men. Along with this, according to Catalyst a United States based organization has published a report in August 2022, that the ratio of female workers in male dominated industry has increased significantly from February 2020 to March 2022, there has been a notable increase in the representation of women. The transportation/warehousing and construction sectors, in particular, have seen significant growth. In February 2020 there were 7.0% of female workers in the above-mentioned industries which has increased up to 15% in March 2022. Along with this, women are welcomed in companies and they feel safe and valued. For instance, according to recent study by Leanin.org which is a United States based organization, in 2022, has published that approximately 40% of women says they are helped by their managers in managing their work and 44% of the women in United States says that the manager regularly shows interest in their career.

Forward-thinking companies have implemented initiatives to attract and retain female talent. These organizations understand the value of diversity and have taken steps to create inclusive work environments. Mentorship programs, women’s networks, and gender-balanced hiring practices are among the strategies employed to support and empower female employees. For instance, the Coca-Cola Company, a global leader in the beverage industry, is committed to gender equality throughout its operations. They have implemented diversity and inclusion strategies that emphasize the importance of gender balance. Through initiatives such as the “5by20” program, Coca-Cola has economically empowered five million women entrepreneurs by 2020, providing them withresources, training, and access to networks. This commitment to gender equality extends to their workforce, where they actively strive to create opportunities for women in leadership positions. Along with this, employers are increasingly recognizing the business benefits of gender diversity. Companies with diverse teams tend to be more innovative, creative, and adaptive. As a result, organizations are actively seeking to diversify their workforce, leading to greater opportunities for women. For instance, Adobe is a software company that has been named to the Great Place to Work Best Workplaces for Women list in July 2020. Adobe offers a number of family-friendly benefits which makes women safe and confident, such as on-site childcare and flexible work arrangements. The company also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the company’s culture is one of respect and fairness.

How to establish an environment where women are supported and encouraged to succeed?

In present scenario, gender equality in the workplace can be achieved when individuals can access and benefit from equal rewards, resources, and opportunities irrespective of their gender. The goal of workplace gender equality is to create a level playing field where both women and men have fair and equitable access to opportunities and can achieve comparable outcomes. It is important to note that gender equality does not necessarily mean identical outcomes for all individuals, but rather seeks to ensure that women and men are provided with similar chances for success and advancement. Thus, one of the significant ways in which companies are valuing the contributions of women is by actively working towards fulfilling the gender gap. Recognizing the importance of gender equality and understanding the benefits of diverse representation, companies are taking concrete steps to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive workforce. For instance, in November 2020, Pfizer has started an initiative which aims to fulfil the gender gap, and targeted to increase its workforce by 50% made up of women by 2025. The company is working to achieve this goal by recruiting more women into STEM fields and by providing support for women in the workplace.