International Women’s Day: Empowering Women Through Recognition and Support

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the importance of supporting women’s career progression and creating inclusive work environments where employees can thrive

Every year in March, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, recognising and honouring the accomplishments, contributions and achievements of women in the community, workplace and on the local and global stage.

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges women face, advocate for equal opportunities and amplify the voices of those working toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

According to the 2023 Women in Work Index from PwC, only 34% of senior roles in the UK are held by women. Although this is an improvement over the years, the pace of change remains slower than many would hope. Despite these obstacles, efforts to close the gender gap are showing results. Research from McKinsey & Company reveals that organisations with higher gender diversity in leadership roles are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability and 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry average.

Providing the Right Environment

For women in the workplace, creating the right environment is essential for their success and well-being. While both men and women face their own unique challenges balancing work and personal commitments, it is particularly important for women to be supported in an environment that allows them to thrive. This support is especially critical during various life stages, such as pregnancy, motherhood, or menopause, which can have a significant impact on their work experience and productivity.

To foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace, dealers should guide businesses to thoughtful and proactive measures to address the specific needs of female employees. For example, providing appropriate facilities, such as accessible hygiene products in bathrooms. Additionally, office furniture and workspace designs should be tailored to support the health and wellbeing of new mothers, including adjustable chairs or ergonomic workstations that accommodate breastfeeding or pumping.

These efforts not only promote a healthier and more equitable work environment but also send a strong message that an organisation values the diverse needs of its workforce. By considering and addressing the unique challenges faced by female employees, businesses foster a more inclusive culture where women feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Celebrating Women’s Contributions

While it’s imperative to recognise the contributions and efforts of all employees, encouraging businesses to celebrate women has multiple benefits. Not only does it boost employee morale and satisfaction, but it also positions the business as a forward-thinking organisation that actively champions women’s progression, leadership and success. This approach enhances the company’s reputation as an inclusive employer, which can be a strong attractor for talented female professionals who value supportive, diverse and equitable workplaces.

To support these efforts, dealers can play a key role in helping businesses establish employee recognition programs that celebrate women’s contributions. These programs can include one-time celebratory gifts for female employees to mark key milestones, such as work anniversaries or personal achievements. Additionally, businesses can create ongoing benefit packages that focus on holistic wellness, offering products designed to support health and wellbeing.

These could encompass items such as stress-relief tools, health supplements, or products that support women’s specific health concerns, such as maternity or menopause-related products.

Such initiatives not only improve the work-life balance and wellbeing of employees but also signal that the business is genuinely dedicated to the empowerment and success of its workforce, particularly women.

Ultimately, all employees should feel valued and supported in their career journeys, regardless of gender. However, dealers have a unique opportunity to remind businesses of the importance of specifically supporting women in their career progression. By encouraging the implementation of thoughtful, inclusive practices that celebrate women’s contributions and address their unique needs, dealers can help create workplaces where women thrive, ultimately fostering a more diverse, equitable and successful environment for all.