We recently celebrated two holidays - Women's Equality Day (marking the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920 giving women the right to vote) and Labor Day (marking better working conditions in 1894, ie. the 40 hour work week).
Since then, not much has changed for our workforce -- especially for women. Isn't it time for a new holiday in the 21st century? Though before we celebrate, much must change in the workplace - especially for women.
When it comes to women and work, we can't seem to get ahead. After all, we learned a lot from working through the pandemic.
Here's some of what we learned documented by numerous sources:
-Workers are most productive while working remotely from their homes. (Prodoscore Research, 2020)
- Women are more effective leaders than most men due to their empathetic, supportive, and collaborative leadership traits. (Zenger Folkman, 2022)
- Flexibility is one of the most valued benefits of work for women. (Abacus Data, 2023)
- Affordable childcare and paid parental leave are necessary to maximize our workforce; and their lack thereof is a major cause of stress. (Gallup, 2021)
- Relationship-building is critical to professional success. (Connected Commons, 2020)
- Even when earnings are similar, husbands spend more time on paid work and leisure, while wives devote more time to caregiving and housework. (Pew Research, 2023)
- Women are more at risk for mental health issues than men. (World Health Organization, 2022)
- For all of the above reasons, flexible, hybrid work is the most ideal work-style for both employees and companies (WFH Research, 2023)
The evidence is clear. Today's model for work - especially for women - must change. Technology has made major change within our reach.
If 50% of C-suite leaders and CEOs were women; and 50% of Board of Director members were women, we would have the best chance for moving the workplace into the 21st century to benefit all workers - women and men.
Perhaps it's time to organize AGAIN. What role will you take in making this critical change possible – so we can all celebrate Labor Day 2.0.
--Leslie Grossman, Founder, Her Circle Leadership