BLOG: In what workplace culture do women thrive?
Some thoughts from Letitia Mc Conalogue, Research & Evaluation Project Officer
Thriving is when it feels that there are always opportunities to progress, in any areas of our choosing and that we have the ability to contribute and be heard. At always possible, I can be as involved as I want to be in any aspect of the business, which is definitely something new to me!
It is inspiring to see other women as part of the leadership team, and who have as much say as the CEO. Our team is 73% female so it hasn’t ever felt like we are being dictated to by men (or anyone for that matter). It’s been a really positive experience for me having women as my line managers (or project leads).
It sounds obvious, but having skills utilised and celebrated without threat of being pushed over or undermined is critical. And, as a woman in the workplace, a lot of the time these skills are in contrast to male team members – and it’s OK to own that and be conscious of it. Grown ups, eh? Who knew?
But, in truth, when you get past gender, everyone is treated like an adult(!) and a human(!). Shocking. There is just no feeling that women are treated differently than our male colleagues – despite a thousand years of tradition that suggests we should be.
I am trusted to get on with my work. I’m not micro-managed or treated as though we need to be ‘monitored’ in order to get our work done. Our unlimited leave policy is defintely something that, for me especially, just shows how much we are trusted to know when we need a break and take it. So many other work environments have you counting up your days and hours like pennies. It just isn’t conducive to having trust in your staff.
If there is a genuine culture of support, that you can come to work (well, you can open your laptop) and it actually matters how you are feeling, or if you are having a bad day – you feel present and connected to the work. Real living, breathing people getting things done.
BLOG: Click to read more about the workplace culture always possible is cultivating in a post by Head of Project Delivery, Sarah Freeman.
BLOG: Just 24 hours to celebrate gender equality? International Women’s Day and the always possible mission.
PODCAST: Trade unionist and employment rights advocate KATE BELL on collective action, the future of work and why change is good.
Do any of these questions resonate with you?
The 5 Big Questions:
How do you measure the impact of what you do?
How should people/businesses be preparing for the future?
How do we build the workforce we need for that future?
How do you use creativity to solve problems?
How do you collaborate?
