International Women’s Day. Breaking the bias for good

Careers for Purpose aligning women’s values 

Careers for Purpose is the first recruitment consultancy in Australia that intentionally aligns women's values with those of potential employers. Not only is the team passionate about recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting female talent, they only work with progressive and purpose-driven employers. Careers for Purpose is a conduit between future employees and companies that uphold the values of equality and align with their mission to save the world. The recruitment team is driving a technological and social revolution and putting positive career moves at the heart of their world. They will help candidates make informed decisions by showcasing reliable employer progressive protocols, workplace policies and supporting women in the workplace.

New career paths

Excitingly, more and more career paths are available to women with the progression of technology, communication, and overall freedom of movement. The pandemic has shown a healthy increase in women taking control of their professional successes and a rise in women-owned businesses and working mothers. Choosing the right employer is essential to the overall well-being of women. 

Be happy

When women enjoy their work, it’s very often because they feel supported and valued. Not only because they are part of a like-minded group of people, but because they are working towards a mutual goal of protecting and improving the planet for future generations. It’s important for women to feel part of the higher mission and that their work is deemed essential, and that the work environment is dynamic and inclusive. 

Equal opportunities 

A diverse workplace is self-bolstering when women and minority groups feel welcomed and appreciated and bring value-adding contributions to the company. The movement of ‘green’ careers is helping women feel inspired and provides a platform where they can thrive. Many companies that choose to work with Careers for Purpose have business-wide strategies to ensure that employees benefit from equal opportunities and professional growth. The pandemic has made more employers realise that inflexibility is driving away talented women as they struggle to balance careers and family life. Employers are finding solutions that include remote working, affordable childcare, paid leave and flexible working hours.

Supportive networking 

Women are forming communities within these corporations to help one another succeed and provide a collective voice. The increase of senior-level women means that they have a much more significant influence in shaping positive company culture. These women can also encourage and empower other women to speak up about unequal pay and enforced stereotypes of gender-specific jobs. Regular training, mentoring and networking opportunities can also help women in the workplace by sharing skills, experiences, support and opening up professional networks.

Surveys highlight pandemic struggles 

Women have faced unprecedented struggles throughout the pandemic and have managed to juggle childcare, housework, increased workloads and decreased headcounts. Over the past couple of years, these endless challenges have resulted in women losing their self-confidence, feeling discouraged, and doubting their abilities. Forbes recently conducted a survey with women who were working part-time and full-time; a staggering 50 per cent of these women are not confident in the workplace, citing career and financial setbacks. Alarmingly 75 per cent of women said that they are not confident in their work relationships, lack development opportunities, professional growth and supportive networks.

Many companies have adopted remote and hybrid ways of working as a long-lasting solution. The new crossbreed work environment can leave women feeling isolated; they no longer have access to coffee break camaraderie and support, which would often lead to new opportunities, which is resulting in a lack of growth and development. 

LinkedIn also recently carried out a survey that found that women are more likely to apply for remote or hybrid jobs than men so that they can juggle home and childcare commitments. Companies, however, continue to favour those employees that go into the office more often. Whilst women are being given the option to work at home or in the office, it's inevitable that those who choose to spend more time in their offices will have access to more opportunities than those that choose to work from home. There are plenty of opportunities for women to seek new connections whenever possible, whether it's enjoying those coffee chats with other women in their teams or attending free networking events in various online communities.

Accountability 

Women must hold themselves accountable to ensure continual progress. To improve the workplace, employers and their employees should strategically brainstorm solutions and then set tangible and measurable goals to ensure individual teams stay on track to achieving them. It's essential to provide employees with innovative training, tools and resources to help them achieve their career goals. The past couple of years has seen a massive and unexpected workforce transformation. By utilising these tools, employees will regain their confidence, leading to a happier environment, a more professional organisation and a better retention rate.

Strike the pose

Women from around the world are encouraged to invest some time into their own self-appreciation this International Women's Day. Seek out an empowerment workshop (or two) on Tuesday, 8 March. Cross your arms in front of your chest and strike the pose; it's time to break the bias. 

#breakthebias