How to get the balance right in your workplace Posted by Rachel

I recently ventured to a luncheon hosted by Executive Women Australia and found myself, surrounded by inspiring women who have paved the way for female PR “newbies” (like me), wishing to have both a family and a successful career.

The first thing I learnt was that the desire to do both is more than natural and that it can be done.

It was not news to hear that the scales are still severely tipped in favour of men in executive positions. However, it was refreshing to learn that Australian companies are finally recognising the valuable contribution women make not only to the workplace, but to the strategic direction of an organisation and importantly, to the bottom line.

I’ve put together some of the inspiring advice and hope that it helps you move a step closer to a balanced workplace.

First things first – Employers need to recognise the benefits

Kevin Lewis, Chief Compliance Officer at ASX presented the latest figures on the financial benefits to employers (and the nation) of closing the gender gap by having women in executive positions. The figures speak for themselves.

If Australia’s companies were to close the gap between the gender imbalances in the workforce, GDP would increase by 11 per cent. Take this one step further and close the gap between the wages and salaries men and women get paid, and Australia will witness an increase in GDP by a substantial 20 per cent.

Employers need to take decisive action

Lisa Hudson, Chief Executive and Publisher of Fairfax Magazines, believes that to bring about an environment that will see men and women on equal footing within the workforce, employers and women need to take decisive action.

Employers need to consider flexible working hours and conditions so that women can start a family (without the guilt of wanting the best of both worlds) and, they need to recognise that limiting diversity within the ranks limits opinion, progress, and as mentioned restricts profits.

Women need men in the workforce

Women need to enlist the help of men in the workforce to affect change, they need to work on self-promoting and focusing on internal networking, to the same extent that they focus on external networking. Further, they need to openly advocate for the rights of women when possible to ensure the issue stays firmly on the company’s agenda.

Women can choose to go it alone

If you feel unmotivated in your current role for not receiving the recognition you deserve, Deana Shiff, Group Managing Director of Telstra Business suggests to ‘go it alone.’ Women are armed with the skills and know how to not only start their own business, but see it mature into a successful venture, with many of the business women in attendance a testament to the possibilities.

Mentors are important

A lingering point of discussion was that many women find they take up executive positions only when a mentor convinces them of their capability. Women often lack the overt confidence in the workplace as they constantly juggle their conflicting roles of female co-worker and homemaker.

It was this point of discussion that I walked away with front of mind – our mentors, our source of inspiration are out there, often sitting across from us or beside us each day. Female colleagues and peers are a woman’s best mentors.

Look to your peers for inspiration

If you’re just starting your career or looking for some inspiration, remember our peers are our voice! They reassure us of our convictions and our rights. They instil a confidence within us to strive for what we desire, and they remind us that what we deserve is only measured by our commitment to ourselves.

SHJ has now joined the world of twitter. You can follow us at @SHJ_Aus where we’ll be sharing our favourite articles, blog posts and thoughts on the issues affecting our clients and our industry. Most of the team in Sydney and Melbourne will be tweeting, so drop by for a chat anytime.