Achieving gender balance at work
Laura MarianiShare
ThePeopleAlchemist Edit: Business & Lifestyle Experimentation for #TheWomanAlchemist #SmashYourCeiling - HR, employment and gender equality.
Gender balance happens over the long term, and the real challenge, especially for SMEs, is the practicalities. So how do you achieve it? These are good starting points towards gender balance:- Start with what you have and then improve
- Offer flexible working. It is not only women who need it. There is a stigma attached to men taking time off work to look after their children. However, flexibility is a critical career enabler to retain talent.
- Ask your employees what they value and listen. These can provide a platform to build an appropriate reward strategy. And targeted benefits, so you get the most value out of your investment.
- Lead by example. The senior team needs to show flexible working/flexibility in practice so that employees can relate. For example, showing being "human", taking holidays, etc.
Keep it simple but visible. And whatever you decide to offer, ensure that it is available to everyone and is communicated fully to the whole business.
If you need more insights or tips, check out some of my blogs for more insights on equality and diversity.
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