Hello Lancaster SHRM!
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, I thought I would share some insights I gleaned from a recent episode of The McKinsey Podcast. In the episode, Alexis Krivkovich, Lareina Yee, and Lucia Rahilly discussed the 2023 Women in the Workplace report. The report and their discussion sheds light on the progress and stagnation in women’s career advancement and representation. From my perspective, as someone deeply invested in fostering leadership among women, the insights shared resonate profoundly with the challenges and opportunities facing female leaders today.
The discussion began with the debunking of a prevalent myth: the notion that women are losing their ambition. At first, I thought this was an odd myth as I was not aware this was a myth considered in society. What did arise from the conversation was the negative manner women with ambition have been viewed historically by society. Thankfully, the research reveals an inspiring trend; women’s ambition has not only remained resilient but has grown, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Eighty percent of women express a desire for promotion, mirroring the ambition seen in their male counterparts. The introduction of more flexible working models during the pandemic has played a crucial role in bolstering this ambition, demonstrating that when given the right conditions, women are eager to advance and take on leadership roles.
Another myth tackled in the conversation is the misconception that workplace flexibility is solely a women’s issue. A powerful narrative shared in the report highlights how flexibility benefits everyone, regardless of gender. This narrative is crucial in understanding that the call for flexible working arrangements stems from a universal desire for a healthy work-life balance. As many HR professionals are being challenged to bring their team members back to the office, the data in the report may help to strengthen the case of why it may not be the best decision.
The discussion also highlights the persistent issue of the “broken rung” at the first step up to management positions. This systemic barrier significantly hampers women’s advancement from the outset of their careers, with the impact being even more pronounced for women of color. The importance of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as it sets the stage for future leadership, the diversity of thought within organizations, and it has long-term impacts on a woman’s personal financial success.
Moreover, the conversation brought to light the significant impact of microaggressions in the workplace. These seemingly small acts of bias can have a profound effect on women’s careers, contributing to feelings of low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and burnout. The move to more remote work has offered a reprieve from some of these daily slights, yet it’s clear that a more systemic change is needed to address the root causes of microaggressions.
While it is evident that progress has been made, there’s still a long road ahead to achieving true equity in the workplace. For aspiring female leaders, my message is one of resilience and advocacy. Continue to challenge the structural obstacles and biases that persist while remembering, that we are all a work in progress, so to quote one of my mentors, assume no ill intent.
As HR leaders we have the greatest opportunity to create systemic change within our organization. We can alter the status quo by using data and evidence to advance our organizations (as best as we can) and institute the changes necessary to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment. High tides raise all ships, let’s use our influence to make positive change!
For all our LSHRM members, remember we are here to support you on your journey! We have resources, networks, partners, professionals, mentors, and sponsors who can provide the guidance you need to help elevate your organization. As you continue to build the company you want to work for, I hope you will join us on Tuesday, March 12th at HACC Lancaster Campus to learn more about the latest in legal matters related to HR from the ever-popular Eric Athey and Micah Saul.
I look forward to seeing all of you soon!
My best,
Jen