Thrive in 5: Embracing Equity with Women in Your Business

Today marks International Women's Day which has the theme #embraceequity. That's why, this week, we are focusing on how to create fair and equal opportunities for the women within your business.

#1 Create inclusive policies

Listen to the people in your office. It doesn't matter how. On the back of both office chats and engagement surveys, we've introduced policies like menstrual leave, as well as our generous maternity, breastfeeding and baby loss policies. Give us an email if you'd like to learn more thriveinfive@charltonmorris.com.

#2 Don't punish career breaks (and don't make assumptions)

Be positive about the women who want to take time out for family and be supportive, but also don’t assume all woman will want to take a lot of time out. Some don’t. And some may want to share parental leave.

Many women can also feel concerned about the impact that 'time out' will have on their career. So, be supportive whatever their situation and take the time to make people feel conformable about this experience. Do the same on their return.

#3 Think about how you advertise (beat imposter syndrome)

Big lists of requirements can put some people off and it's been proven that women struggle more with imposter syndrome.

#4 Who are your role models?

You can't be what you can't see. Are there enough women in leadership roles right now? If not, why not?

Think about your succession planning. Are there enough women in your business to develop into leadership roles? Could they be put a development scheme? Or will you need to look externally to hire some more senior female leaders.

Also look at your current attraction. Are you attracting enough females currently to be your future leaders? Or do you need to look at different attraction techniques?

#5 Embrace equity

No one will better understand the challenges of being a female in your company than the women already working there. Speak with them. Find out the areas in which your business needs to improve. Are your company's events inclusive? Is your internal communication and management style geared towards men? You're sure to learn a lot.

Whether you're in a HR, TA or leadership role within your organisation we hope these tips help you. 

Thrive in Five is our weekly blog designed to help your people and business thrive. If you have a topic that you'd like to suggest for a future edition of #thriveinfive, send us an email to thriveinfive@charltonmorris.com.