Tips for Engaging and Retaining Female Talent

International Women’s Day celebrates women's achievements and calls for gender equality.

This year's theme is #InvestInHer, accelerate progress and their rights to healthier lives. Research shows progress in closing the gender pay gap. Female leaders share their strategies for fostering diversity and equality in the workplace.

Beqom Survey Says…

To create equality and attract top female talent to your organisation, it's crucial to understand employees' perspectives. A 2023 survey by Beqom found that issues like parental leave, the gender pay gap, flexibility for working mothers, and diversity in leadership are significant drivers.

 Fixing the Gender Pay Gap

To address the gender pay gap, HR professionals can implement strategies such as banning salary history inquiries, training against bias in promotions, and auditing pay discrepancies. This effort by achieving EQUAL-SALARY certification ensures equal pay for equal work across organisations. Efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, particularly by boosting the representation of women in management roles, require top-level commitment. Companies should try to set a goal to have at least 50% of managerial roles filled by women by 2024, with current representation at 36%.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Offering flexible working arrangements is crucial for promoting gender equality. Organisations should implement flexible working to support both men and women in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Internal promotion and development programs are key to advancing women's careers. Personalised career plans and mentorship opportunities should be provided to help women succeed.

Create a Work/Life Balance

2024 brings an emphasis on the importance of work/life balance. The challenges of achieving this balance are difficult, but finding flexibility for mothers balancing non-traditional schedules to allow them to prioritise both their career and their family is key.

Address Family Obligations

Despite the increasing number of working mothers in the workforce, their needs are often overlooked. Traditional cultural expectations put women at a disadvantage, especially in male-dominated networking events held at inconvenient times. As a result, women may prioritise domestic responsibilities over career opportunities, hindering their professional advancement.

To address this issue, companies should adopt more flexible attitudes towards work and family obligations. By leading the way in implementing innovative policies, such as flexible scheduling and remote work options, companies can improve work-life balance for all employees. Offering additional benefits, such as on-site services like childcare, can further support employees in managing their professional and personal responsibilities.

Create a Women’s Network in Your Workplace

Establishing employee resource groups like women's committees can help better engage and retain female talent in the workplace. Wellness initiatives and Women's Network and Diversity & Inclusion committees, which can be successful in supporting and advancing women.

Give Back to a Women-Focused Philanthropic Cause

Women thrive in collaborative group settings, making philanthropic programs an effective way to bring your team together. Encouraging your employees to engage in philanthropic activities can boost morale and inspire them to find joy in giving back.

 Researching and supporting organisations dedicated to women's causes can further empower your team and strengthen your organisation. Celebrating and supporting female workers should be a year-round effort, not just limited to International Women's Day.

Being in a female-dominated industry, we would love to hear how your organization has implemented changes in your workplace.

Comment below!

For employment opportunities and a list of Who in the Zoo jobs, please see our website: Who in the Zoo - Recruitment.