Empowering women in the workplace is one of the most important things you can do as an employer. Women have a lot to offer, and when they are empowered, they can put their skills into action.
Even though we have come a long way regarding female representation in the workplace, more can still be done. And it is up to us to contribute to making that difference, no matter your place in the organisation. Women are good for your business, and it’s in your interest to retain them.
In honour of Women’s Month, we’ve put together five ways you can help empower women in the workplace.
1. Involve Women in Meetings
When it comes to board meetings, women are often underrepresented. Often they are excluded from meetings that they could add valuable input to. Invite your female employees to meetings and take advantage of the value they offer.
Whether it’s an in-person meeting or a virtual one, try to include your female staff members. If they have the knowledge, let them lead meetings as well.
2. Encourage Women’s Involvement
It’s not enough to just give women a seat at the table. You also must encourage them to provide input and speak up during these sessions. Often in meetings, women will sit there and observe, not saying anything. Instead, encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions. They could offer valuable insights to your business that help you reach your goals.
It’s not just in-person meetings where women can feel unable to speak up. Online meetings can be the same. Don’t be afraid to speak to women on the calls, encouraging their input. If you look at the incredible impact of the women who inspired South Africa’s Women’s Day, you’ll see the power they can have.
3. Promote Mentorship
Education, training and upskilling are essential factors in empowering women in the workplace. The more knowledge and experience they have, the better they can grow and advance in their careers.
Encourage women to mentor other women, provide female-focussed internships, and promote women taking courses and learning more. These trusted relationships can help build confidence, make women feel more comfortable in the workplace and lead to higher employee morale.
4. Make Female Involvement a Priority
Setting clear goals and intentions is the best way to ensure female empowerment in the workplace. It’s not enough to tentatively plan to include women more. These intentions need to be concrete. It needs to be a part of your business plan.
This way, not only can you track their progress and growth, but you can also monitor their success. Annual goals and metrics to determine success are the best way to ensure you support women. These goals can be around mentorships, women in high-powered positions, salary increases and bonuses, promotions and more.
Ensure your entire organisation is aware of your intentions to prioritise female inclusion.
5. Be Approachable
Giving women a say is important. While metrics are great, you need to also understand how women feel regarding the situation. Find out what is working for them and what isn’t. Having an open door policy and encouraging them to approach you can help them to feel empowered.
Women thrive when they have trusted relationships in the workplace, so try to be one of them. Ask them what you can do to make them feel more included and empowered. This feedback is paramount to your success in empowering them.
Create a Female-Empowered Workspace
There are countless benefits to creating a female-empowered workspace. Happy employees lead to a happy business, so it is in your best interest to ensure your female staff members are content, empowered and challenged. By doing this, you not only create a positive work environment but also invest in your company’s success.
