As the dynamics of workplaces around the world evolve, one of the biggest changes that we are seeing is the increasing diversity of the workforce. With the positive changes, women are gaining more influence and visibility in the workplaces as compared to the past. Historically, it can be said that women did not have enough opportunities to grow in a mostly male-dominated workspace culture and were primarily allocated tasks that were not so crucial. However, with the changing times, more and more women are finding themselves leading teams, being in important decision-making roles and creating strategies for organisations they work with. This shift is not just a matter of gender equality; it brings diverse perspectives, fosters inclusive cultures and drives business success.
Changing Workplace Trends and Opportunities for Women
With organisations realising the importance of having diverse perspectives and reducing biases that create barriers for talented employees to grow, women are benefitting in the changing workplaces. Women are now more frequently seen at the helm of companies, in boardrooms and in key decision-making roles.
If we look at the data, then it suggests that globally the percentage of women in leadership roles or senior management roles has increased significantly over the last few decades. According to a report by Grant Thornton, women held 31% of senior management positions in 2021, up from 24% in 2012. A similar trend is being witnessed in India where, according to some reports, the number of women in leadership roles has increased by 14% from 2012 to 2021.
In fact, India also has seen some big names in various industries. For example, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and managing director of Biocon Limited, is a pioneer in the biotechnology industry and has made significant contributions to healthcare and innovation. Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indira Nooyi, has also left an indelible mark in the world of business because of her strategic vision.
Impact on Workplace Decision-making
Now, as we talk about women gaining more influence within workplaces, the question that may be asked is whether it has any impact on the workplace culture and business performance? First of all, we should remember that it has been proven over time that organisations that have more diversity and provide equal opportunity to everyone based on their talents have the highest chances of outpacing those organisations which do not have a healthy and unbiased culture. This is because it has a direct impact on employee motivation, fosters a negative work culture and also leads to good talent moving away where they get the right opportunities.
Diverse leadership is also more equipped to understand the preferences of a dynamic consumer base and also helps in making some important decisions that benefit the business. At the same time, women in leadership positions or influential positions within an organisation are more likely to empathise with other women employees who face unique challenges. It also creates a healthy forum for women employees to share their grievances without the fear of being misunderstood.
Another important factor of running an organisation today is ensuring that workplace harassment is eliminated completely. Having women in decision-making roles can help the organisations to design innovative policies that deal with the issue in a robust manner and provide a healthy and safe space for every employee to grow.
Future of Women in Workplaces
As gender-equality increases in our society overall and girls get better access to education and career opportunities, it is inevitable that there will be more women in important positions in the organisations in India and globally. Therefore, the future of women in workplaces seems to be bright and healthy. The focus on creating equal opportunities, breaking down barriers and providing support systems for women in the workforce will pave the way for greater representation and leadership.
Companies are increasingly adopting policies that promote gender diversity, such as flexible work arrangements, mentorship programmes and leadership development initiatives. These efforts not only support the growth of women in the workplace but also contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Factors to Enable the Change
Lastly, as we talk about the growing influence of women in workplaces and its positive impacts, we should also discuss how this change can be expedited. While we have seen that women are now in a much better position when it comes to acquiring important positions within workplaces, there is still a huge gap that needs to be filled. This can also be a start to create even healthier workplaces which have representation of different genders. Here are some of the factors that can accelerate this change:
- Policy and legislation: One of the biggest and most important steps in this direction is bringing in policies that encourage greater representation of different genders within organisations, create more opportunities for women to choose the careers they want to, while also dealing with any discrimination or harassment within workplaces. Additionally, government policies can also look into issues like maternity leaves, period leaves, etc. for women.
- Mentorship and sponsorship: Another good way to achieve this is by providing good mentorship to women in workplaces so that they can go on to acquire influential positions and perform their job efficiently.
- Flexibility: Remote work, rest days during periods and maternity support are just some of the ways through which organisations can allow women employees to feel comfortable and valued. Men and women cannot be judged on equal parameters because of the social and biological differences between them, and thus a more flexible workplace arrangement for women can go a long way in allowing them to grow within the organisations and become leaders.
The increasing influence of women in workspaces is a positive trend that brings many benefits to organisations and society. By embracing gender diversity and promoting equal opportunities, we can create more innovative, inclusive and successful workplaces. The journey towards gender equality is ongoing, but with continued efforts and support, women will continue to make significant strides in the corporate world, shaping the future of work for generations to come.
