Shape Talent Ltd

Flexible working has become a cornerstone of progressive workplace policies - but how can organisations implement it in ways that promote gender equity?  In April, our LinkedIn Live sparked a powerful conversation, and later, we teamed up with King's College London and Zurich UK for a webinar unpacking our Flexible Work whitepaper and exploring how flexible work policies can empower employees while driving equity.  Here are 5 key takeaways:    1. Flexibility benefits everyone - but designing equitable policies requires a nuanced understanding of diverse needs. 2. Data is key. Measuring the impact of flexible work on gender equity helps refine your strategy.  3. Leadership buy-in is essential. Leaders must role-model flexible work to normalise it across all levels. 4. Clear communication of policies ensures uptake without stigma or unintended consequences. 5. Flexibility is about trust. Creating a culture of trust maximises the benefits of flexible working.  Interested to hear how Shape Talent Ltd can support your organisation in building gender-equitable flexible work strategies? Read our Flexible Work white paper below and get in touch with us today. https://lnkd.in/eSdTGuVx 

As we begin 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year that has been. Over the next few posts, we’ll be sharing some of our most valuable insights from 2024 - designed to support you as an EDI leader, Head of HR and Talent, or Chief People Officer. From flexible work to AI, menopause in the workplace, and the role of men in enabling gender equity, we’ll bring you the most impactful takeaways from our events, resources, and thought leadership.     To start, let’s rewind to our very first LinkedIn Live of 2024, where we explored barriers to women’s progress in STEM organisations. In this popular LinkedIn Live we covered:  - Systemic challenges that disproportionately impact women in STEM  - The role of leadership in reshaping career pathways - Practical solutions to foster inclusion and equity in STEM fields Missed it? Catch the recording here. https://lnkd.in/e9tpmAYf 

As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible clients for the vital conversations and impactful strides we’ve made together towards greater gender equity in 2024. Your trust and collaboration fuel our cause and we’re inspired by the change we’ve seen this year. To our wonderful community of followers here on LinkedIn: thank you for engaging with us, challenging us, and sharing your insights. Your voices have been instrumental in sparking meaningful discussions and shaping the gender equity landscape. As many of the Shape Talent team take a well-deserved holiday break, we’ll be stepping away for a week to rest, recharge, and reflect. We’ll return energised and ready to make 2025 a year of even greater impact. Wishing you all a joyful and restorative holiday season. Here’s to a bright and equitable new year! ✨

"We rise by lifting others." Wise words from Julia Montague, our Senior Facilitator and Coach, beautifully speaking to one of Shape Talent’s core values. For us, this isn’t just a mantra—it’s a guiding principle in how we work, collaborate, and drive change. In Jools’ own words, hear how this value inspires her work and reflects our mission to create equitable and inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. Because when we lift each other, we all rise. 🌟 #ShapeTalent #EDI #GenderEquity #InclusiveLeadership

Have you heard the research about why 93% of women face challenges at work? In our recent study in our Three Barriers research series, we uncovered a staggering reality: 93% of women face barriers that hinder their workplace progression. Only 7% of women report experiencing no barriers at all. Here’s what the data reveals: 🔹 79% of women encounter personal barriers. These include societal expectations to conform to gender stereotypes or the risk of facing backlash for challenging them. 🔹 78% of women face organisational barriers. Many workplaces remain designed around outdated structures that predominantly suit men, making it harder for women to succeed. 🔹 67% of women feel societal pressures, such as being expected to take on the primary caregiving role - particularly in heterosexual households. These challenges are not isolated - they span across countries and cultures, with personal and organisational barriers standing out as the most prevalent. The message is clear: systemic change is needed. At Shape Talent, we’re committed to helping organisations identify and address these barriers, creating workplaces where no one is held back. 💡 Watch the webinar clip to learn more. #ThreeBarriers #GenderEquity #EDI

Beyond representation: Designing workplace systems through the lens of intersectionality As we step into 2025, Shape Talent is excited to launch the year with a thought-provoking LinkedIn Live event focused on one of the most important considerations for organisations when building an effective gender equity strategy: intersectionality. Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025 Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM GMT Special guests: Arlene Rahn, Joulie Gindi (MSc), Simon Houghton and Shape Talent’s Ailish Breen. Why is intersectionality so crucial? Women’s experiences in the workplace are shaped by a tapestry of intersecting identities – including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, life stage and more. These dimensions of identity create unique challenges and opportunities, and understanding them is essential for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. For leaders, the stakes are high. Without an intersectional lens, we risk overlooking the most underrepresented women – and missing out on their invaluable talents and perspectives. By embracing this framework, organisations can build solutions that work for all women, driving innovation, inclusion, and progress. What to Expect: - Insights into how intersectionality influences women’s career progression. - Practical strategies to advance equity for all women. - Actionable steps leaders can take to create lasting change. CPOs, EDI champions, HR professionals, business leaders, don't miss this important event which will help empower you with the tools to make meaningful impact in 2025. #GenderEquity #EDI #ThreeBarriers

Your Shape Talent December newsletter is live today! In our last newsletter for 2024, this edition is packed with insights to help you drive real progress in accelerating gender equality. Highlights include • Our must-read blog: What is intersectionality, and what does an intersectional approach look like in practice? • Brand-new research: Discover our latest findings on the Three Barriers to women’s advancement in European corporates. • A spotlight on our team member Helena Wacko: Sharing how gender equity has shaped her career, her favourite reads, and how she finds balance through boxing! • Plus: Our Breaking Barriers podcast on why gender equity needs to be on your agenda when it comes to C-suite succession planning. Don’t miss these actionable insights - distilled in one handy newsletter. Read it today. #EDI #Intersectionality #ShapeTalent  

New blog alert: Why intersectionality matters in the workplace As Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term intersectionality, powerfully states: “You can't change outcomes without changing how they have come about.” Our latest blog is now live and provides actionable recommendations for organisations serious about creating meaningful change when it comes to gender equity with an intersectional lens. Discover how to build a truly inclusive workplace where no one is left behind. Read the full blog today to learn how you can: 1. Move beyond tokenism or siloed EDI efforts with integrated, data-driven strategies that recognise interconnected forms of oppression. 2. Conduct intersectional impact assessments to evaluate how decisions affect groups with multiple marginalised identities. 3. Develop specific anti-discrimination measures co-created with those they aim to protect. 4. Acknowledge diversity within marginalised groups and your tailor policies accordingly. #EDI #Intersectionality #ShapeTalent

What’s holding women back in European corporates? Our latest Three Barriers research shines a light on the persistent obstacles preventing women from advancing to leadership roles. The findings are eye-opening: organisational barriers are the most significant roadblocks, and they’re more pervasive than many realise. From structural biases to limited access to high-impact opportunities, these barriers not only hinder individual careers but also stall progress toward gender equity across entire industries. And added to this, our root cause analysis revealed that while the challenges women voice might appear similar across countries, the underlying reasons are often fundamentally different - meaning the solutions must be just as tailored and unique. Watch this quick clip to learn more. But it’s not all bad news. In our research paper, we go beyond the statistics to share practical, actionable strategies that organisations can implement to level the playing field. These solutions are designed to help businesses unlock the full potential of their workforce while building a culture where everyone can thrive. Are you ready to be part of the change? Watch the clip, and download the full report today to explore how your organisation can address these challenges and pave the way for a more inclusive future. 📥 Get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/eVMZBfhZ #ThreeBarriers #GenderEquity #GenderResearch #EDI

In one word, how do you describe the Shape Talent team spirit? This was the question we asked ourselves recently - and the answers we shared say everything about who we are as a team. Each word reflects the unique energy, passion, and purpose that fuel us every day as we partner with our clients to create meaningful, lasting impact.  We’re excited to share this short film that brings those words to life, showcasing the incredible spirit that makes Shape Talent so special.  Take a moment to watch - and let us know: what one word comes to mind when you think of the Shape Talent team? We’d love to hear your thoughts!  #GenderEquity #DEI #ShapeTalent