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Creating a Workplace Culture That Works for All

Tips for Women

I have previously blogged about gender bias in the workplace. Pay equity between men and women persists with women earning 80% of men. Gender bias may be even more of a problem as old stereotypes still exist and women are judged by a different set of standards than men. Recently, more women have moved up the ladder but the glass ceiling still prevents them from reaching the C-suite, which includes positions like chief financial officer and chief operating office – 81% are men and 19% are women.

The following piece was written by Jessica Higgins, an expert on cultural issues including work-life-balance. I appreciate Jessica allowing me to post it on my blog site.

If we are truly aiming for work-life equality, as women we need to stop making excuses for ourselves that include words like “as women”. As a feminist, I’ve spent a long time studying this.

My main conclusion: both men and women are responsible for ourselves, our time and our reality.

Equality, like most things, begins with mindset.

Yogis often say that awareness is the key to solving all human problems. If you are finding yourself “always on”, and even burning out, below are the three common cultural issues you are experiencing, and how to solve them:  

  1. You have created a social norm.

Yes, women are nurturers. Yes, women are more likely to say yes. But your time management is yours. If men at your organization say no; watch and learn.

  1. You have a ‘head down’ mentality.

Don’t get noticed, don’t get fired. Don’t ruffle feathers. This will also lead you down the path of: don’t get promoted, and don’t get thanked. Sounds like it’s time to get recognized.

  1. You are a part of an anti-women culture.

Three years ago, Peter Diamandis predicted that all of our top companies of today will be out of business in the next 10 years. Since culture is the key tool to competitive success in the near and long term, I predict that there will be a strong correlation between those companies who don’t innovate, and the companies who don’t embrace inclusiveness. It’s all about a fear to change; a death sentence. If you find yourself on a sinking ship, build yourself a raft.

For example, Microsoft trains every employee in inclusiveness. A culture like this won’t just give you a better work life balance; you’ll have more meaning and purpose in your life.

Thanks again to Jessica. Let me leave you with a thought to tie the discussion to ethics. We think of a healthy life as the absence of illness. Being healthy means much more. There is spiritual health which brings purpose in life. Ethics guides us along the pathway of achieving meaning and a greater sense of well-being.

Jessica Higgins, JD MBA BB is a public speaker, strategist and published author. She is Chief Operating Officer of Gapingvoid Culture Design Group. Her mission is to help others. If you would like to speak to Jessica about how she can help, please contact Kat at.[email protected] and consider visiting Jessica’s website: jessicahiggins.co.

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