Organizations Struggle To Unlock The True Power Of Women As Their Inclusion Efforts Are Missing The Point
Things are looking bright for women's empowerment, at least on the surface. In the beginning of the year we went to the World Economic Forum in Davos and saw an impressive line-up of the world's leading companies strut their diversity & inclusion efforts. Women's empowerment has finally broken through the glass ceiling - equality has become a business critical goal for most big businesses.
This makes sense, PwC's 'Women In Work Index' shows that improving female participation in work could boost OECD GDP by US$6 trillion. Needless to say that companies are losing out on both talent and performance if they are not addressing the current imbalances.
Most companies have been quick to act on external factors affecting women's empowerment.
One of the common ways to tackle inequalities is to address what happens in the working environment, such as introducing flexible working hours, removing unconscious bias from the recruitment process and equal pay.
It makes sense to create a place to work that reflects different working preferences and lifestyles. Organisations are waking up to the benefits of flexible working for all employees. Flexible workers take less leave and are more productive, a survey reveals.
However, a recent study by Deloitte found that organisation's inclusion efforts may not be addressing one of the biggest challenges - everyday bias. Most professionals believe their organisation fosters an inclusive workplace and provides opportunities to connect with others from diverse backgrounds; yet, many feel they frequently experience and witness bias, often to the detriment of their productivity, engagement, well-being and overall happiness.
More than two-thirds of respondents say experiencing and/or witnessing bias has had a negative impact on how engaged they feel at work and on their productivity overall.
"Our survey clearly reveals that even well-intentioned organizations have much work to do to close the gap between overarching goals and the actual experiences of their workforce," said Joe Ucuzoglu, Deloitte US CEO.
Scratching the surface.
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https://www.driven-woman.com/blog/archive/organisations-struggle-to-unlock-the-true-power-of-women-as-their-inclusion-efforts-are-missing-the-point
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Looking for advice about workplace safety:
I currently work in a dangerous industrial job. I really like the work, however, if I do not know how to do something safely, of course, I ask.
However, sometimes, when I ask a question, some bosses (but not all) take it as a sign of disrespect or incompetence. I understand some people do ask silly or disrespectful questions on purpose, but I DONT! I have literally never disrespected someone by asking a question in my life!
My questions are not, "why did you promote Bob and not me?" But rather, "what should I know about using this tool safely?" And if you are reading this, please don't say, "you should know" or "its common sense, bah." And being a woman does not help.
If you do something unsafe, you get in big trouble, as you should, but part of workplace safety is creating a fair and respectful environment so people can ask questions and so people don't make mistakes because they are unnecessarily stressed and distracted by poor management. When you give someone a LOOK because they ask a question that you think that they should know the answer to, instead of answering it, then you are not contributing to a safe work environment. I thought questions were how we learn!
Sometimes, I just pull the most approachable person aside and ask the question with just him or her. Sometimes I wait until they are done talking and see of the question answers itself so as not to appear too annoying. Sometimes I Google it, but just for basic knowledge, because Google does not replace people who are paid to train us! And yes, I always use the most respectful tone I can muster, and I NEVER bother anyone during lunch or when they are doing a dangerous task themselves and I don't interrupt them when they are talking to someone else just to ask the question. There is no union at this job, but there is an HR. I don't like going to HR over every little thing though.
I also always read the instruction Manuel too. However I learn best by doing. I also learn best when someone takes a few minutes to show me how to do something, then let's me do the task right away so I remember it forever. However, as you probably already know, bosses don't always care how you learn best.
For those of you who currently work in a dangerous field, how do you go about safety questions and issues and just asking questions in general without some boss assuming that you are being disrespectful?
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I've been hired to work full time remotely as a Junior Graphic Designer for a well established pharmaceutical company.
BUT, I am more apprehensive than excited because the communication has sole been via chat and email, they're going to send me a check to pay for my own mini-office with a list of vendors I must purchase the their required items from.
The interview was completely done over chat. It took almost 2 hours to answer questions and learn more about the role. After, The interviewer informed me they were going to send the transcripts of our communication to her hiring department and get back to me. By the next hour the interviewer messages me letting me know they would like to extend me an offer.
I asked why they don't just order the items then send them to me, and they said that's how they use to do things but due to shipping error and mishaps they've removed them selves as the middle man. I'm paraphrasing a bit.
Additionally, I cannot find any designers on their website or on LinkedIn.
I've seen mixed conversation online about companies doing things like this. Some have been scams and some have turned out to be viable roles.
Does anyone have insight or similar experiences? I could use some perspective.
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Turning 30
i will be turning 30 in February 2026.
I did not realize I'm not set for life up until recently.
I am a South East Asian chartered accountant living at home and single.
I have savings but that was for a house deposit which I'm now no longer consider.
I have a very small emergency fund.
However, I want to create a backup for myself in case everything goes wrong.
1. I'm considering backups Incase of redundancy, I am not at risk but I want to be prepared.
2. I know the property isn't mine so I will need to consider a backup in case something happens .
Note currently stay at home to care for parents.
3. My salary is £50k which is below the average for a qualified accountant so looking to change jobs or departments within the same company
What advise would you have for a 30 yr old
Ultimately I want to have safety backup and cushion but don't know where to start.
I'm confused where I should be at 30 and feel like I'm starting again and I'm behind my peers
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Starting before background check clears
Is it normal to start employment before the background check clears? Mine is taking a while but the new company is pushing me to start before the background check clears. I'm not expecting any red flags to come up but I also don't feel comfortable starting without the contingencies removed. How should I proceed?
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Should I move on after a week of not hearing from the recruiter ?
I recently got a verbal offer for a Senior Role and decided to counteroffer for 10k more. The recruiter said they would check with the hiring manager but I have not heard back from them for a week now. Is it too early to consider the offer has been withdrawn?
EDIT : They came back to me today. I have been doing mental somersaults due to all the rescinded jobs and ghosting I have read. Thank you for your help !
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