We’re in It Together: Shared Women’s Thoughts in the Workplace
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”– Golda Meir
Back in my college days, I remember sitting in a theater with a friend watching the documentary, Miss Representation. I silently seethed as the film offered stat after stat on the ways media has negatively portrayed women in leadership roles and reinforced the idea that women’s value lies in their appearance.
Did I mention that the theater was nearly empty? Apparently, women’s issues weren’t as important as yet another Marvel blockbuster. As we’ll see, media isn’t the only culprit shaping society’s perception of women in the workplace.
What’s the current workplace landscape look like? What can we do effect change? I’m making a statement and sharing my women’s thoughts in the workplace so you feel like you can share yours.
Common Workplace Challenges Women Face
In 2024, McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their Women in the Workplace report. Their research of women’s roles in corporate America is the largest of its kind.
They found that while the number of women at each level of the corporate pipeline has increased, men still outnumber women in the workplace. Also, it will take approximately 50 years for women to achieve workplace equality.
What is causing the gender gap in the workplace? Innumerable factors are contributing to the gender gap, from systemic obstacles to personal concerns.
- The Glass Ceiling- the metaphor used to describe the systemic barriers that keep women in the workplace from advancing past a particular point.
- Imposter syndrome- feelings of self-doubt or perfectionism that keep women’s levels of confidence and self-esteem low.
- Biases- ranging from feeling women are unfit for leadership roles to hesitating to hire women because of work/life balance concerns (women might be or become mothers who may prioritize their families (heaven forbid).
- Sexual harassment- Around 40% of women in the workplace have experienced some form of sexual harassment.
- Lack of mentorship- women not realizing the importance of mentorship.
- Gender pay gap- women working full-time jobs typically earn 82-83% of what men earn.
- Lack of female leadership visibility- it can be difficult to aspire to something for which there is no example.
The Power of Women Supporting Women
While an individual can make a splash, women working together can make waves. If women in the workplace prioritize their fellow females, positive change can happen more rapidly.
We must strive to find opportunities for women’s empowerment.
A great place to start is mentorship for women. A mentor is someone further along in their career who is willing to take a less experienced employee under their wing for guidance.
Mentorship is great for
- Career growth
- Skill development
- Improved job performance
- Increased job satisfaction
- Greater self-confidence
- Increased company loyalty
- Better sense of connection and community
- Strong networking skills
- Leadership development
- Overall business success
And many of the benefits of mentorship apply to both the mentor and mentee. Mentorship is an excellent way for women in the workplace to connect and advocate for each other.
Must-Read Books for Female Empowerment in Business
These self-improvement books for women can boost your motivation in our journey towards gender equality in business:
Dare to Lead
New York Times-bestselling author of Daring Greatly and Atlas of the Heart Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness.
Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing readers how to put those ideas into practice so they can step up and lead.
Lean In
From former COO of Meta, Sheryl Sandberg, comes “a landmark manifesto” (The New York Times) that’s a revelatory, inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth that will empower women around the world to achieve their full potential.
The Broken Rung
Women around the world graduate at higher rates than men and have higher average GPAs. But then a strange thing happens: upon entering the workforce, they immediately lose their advantage—a phenomenon the authors term the broken rung of the career ladder.
The solution: women need to build their “experience capital” to level the playing field and maximize their earning potential.
Actionable Steps to Build Confidence and Leadership Skills
If we want women to win in the workplace, we must take action! Here are our tips for confidence and leadership development:
- Be your own best advocate. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to discuss the value you bring when the timing is right (networking, annual reviews, new job opening, etc.).
It’s not a self-brag if you’re simply telling the truth. Keep track of your goals, skills acquired, and successes in a portfolio. Portfolios provide proof to others as well as yourself that you are progressing
- Boost your confidence. Unfortunately, confidence can often outweigh a myriad of positive characteristics and can be a deciding factor in whether or not a woman is selected for a job or leadership role. The good news is that little things can build self confidence:
- Smile more
- Share your thoughts regularly
- Look for stretch assignments (skill-building tasks)
- Reflect on goals achieved
- Prioritize activities that expand your comfort zone
- Networking for female professionals is vital! It’s a subtle art, but well worth the investment. Start by connecting with peers. Also, join conversations whether in-person or online. Be kind and respectful when reaching out.
Don’t be afraid to follow up! Be sure your digital image on a given platform is strong should you refer a potential connection to your content or they look you up. Lastly, find a mentor. A mentor is crucial to growing your network.
Go beyond women’s thoughts in the workplace. Do more than think it, share your go-to reads for women’s empowerment or your top tips for the workplace. For more career and leadership content, subscribe!
