As a woman, what are your expectations from a workplace? Maternity Leave? Yes! Menstrual Leaves? Definitely. But is that all? The aspirations and expectations of women in the workplace are constantly changing in the professional landscape. While maternity and menstrual leaves are essential, the women of tomorrow seek a workplace that goes beyond these traditional accommodations. Women need a more inclusive and diverse workplace where they can voice their ideas and opinions without fearing judgment. A supportive and accommodating company is the major demand of the next generation of women.
Let’s look at some of the workplace wishlists that women have, highlighting the changes needed to foster a truly inclusive workplace.
Recognition of Diverse Achievements
Recognition of diverse achievements is the cornerstone of workplace empowerment. Beyond the mere acknowledgement of women in the workplace, it’s high time organisations start celebrating their diverse accomplishments. By establishing awards and recognition programs, companies can send out a powerful message to the corporate community.
By creating an environment where achievements are valued irrespective of gender, organisations help inspire women to excel in their careers. According to a 2022 Indian survey, Indian men and women expect their pay to increase by the same rate (8%) in the next 12 months. This indicates progress towards gender pay parity. It reinforces the message that diversity is not a checkbox but a fundamental aspect driving innovation and success. Discovering and celebrating diverse achievements creates a culture where women feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work timings are crucial for the workplace revolution led by the women of today. Beyond the traditional 9-5 structure, these arrangements include a spectrum of various options like remote work, compressed workweeks, and flexible work hours. Companies need to recognise that women often juggle various responsibilities like being the primary caregivers and a manager. Companies encouraging work flexibility empower women to tailor their work schedules to suit their busy lifestyles better.
Remote working facilities can help both women and men manage their professional schedules along with their commitments. Compressed workweeks condense the standard work hours into fewer days, granting the employees extended weekends that help them carry out their family responsibilities. Flexible hours enable women to balance their professional and personal lives, improving a sense of control and work-life balance. By prioritising flexible work hours, organisations showcase their commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of their workforce, fostering loyalty, and attracting strong women to lead the future of the organisation.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Mentorship and networking are powerful tools for the unstoppable women of tomorrow. Imagine a workplace where seasoned leaders guide, inspire, and empower rising stars. Picture vibrant networking events, where women connect, share stories, and create friendships beyond the professional spaces. It’s not only about career milestones but also about forging bonds that break barriers. These initiatives inject life into workplaces, creating an environment where women rise to their full potential.
Equal Pay and Advancement Opportunities
Achieving gender equality in the workplace requires a fundamental commitment to equal pay and advancement opportunities. The women of today seek an environment where their contributions do not go unnoticed. Organisations should actively address the gender pay gap through regular audits, ensuring equal pay for comparable roles. Transparent promotion processes are equally important to ensure that career advancement opportunities are based on merit rather than a specific gender.
By creating a culture of fairness and merit, organisations ensure gender equality in the working space and also empower women to pursue leadership roles with confidence. In India, women employees are often quoted saying that they earn less than their male counterparts for the same amount of work. Equal pay and advancement opportunities are not only ethical factors but also key components of a workplace that attracts, retains, and propels the strong women of tomorrow.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs
Comprehensive health and wellness programs are essential components of a supportive workplace for women and men. These programs should encompass a wide range of initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include access to healthcare benefits that cover preventive checkups, reproductive health services, and maternity support beyond just leave policies.
Mental health should be a primary focus with resources like counselling services, stress management programs, and employee management programs that are readily available. Fitness initiatives like gym memberships, or onsite workout programs, can also be included to encourage physical activity and overall wellness. By prioritising health and wellness programs, organisations showcase a commitment to supporting women for their entire lives. This enhances employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as contributes to a healthier, more productive workforce.
The workplace expectations of women from today’s generation extend far beyond traditional policies like maternal and menstrual leaves. To attract, retain, and empower these modern women, companies must adopt a holistic approach that recognises and supports their diverse needs. According to a study, companies prioritise diversity and inclusion, with 78% setting diversity as a priority and 62% improving financial performance through diversity efforts. By including flexible work arrangements, celebrating achievements, ensuring equal pay and opportunities, and prioritising health and wellness, organisations can create a workplace where women force can thrive.
