Breaking The Glass Ceiling – How Women Are Redefining Leadership In The Workplace
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 23, 2023
- 7 min read
Written by: Sherry Buckley-Brown, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The state of women in the workplace today is one of progress and promise. Despite a long history of discrimination and gender inequality, more women are entering the workforce than ever before. But, an even more exciting fact is that women now occupy positions of power in traditionally male-dominated fields, ranging from government to corporate leadership.
But what is the term ‘glass ceiling’? Simply, it refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women and other traditionally underrepresented groups from attaining the highest levels of leadership and success in their respective fields. These barriers can be subtle and difficult to pinpoint, such as a lack of encouragement and mentorship, or they can be overt and explicit, such as gender discrimination or limited access to resources.
But continuing to break the glass ceiling is increasingly important in the modern world as it allows individuals of all backgrounds to recognize their full potential, making a meaningful contribution to their field and society as a whole. Although this increased representation of women in the workplace to date has led to notable gains in pay, promotions, and recognition for female workers, at the same time, there is still work to be done to achieve true equality. Women continue to face discrimination and glass ceilings that limit their opportunities for advancement, and disparities in pay remain a significant issue. And though there is more work to be done, there’s hope!
The challenges faced by working women and how to overcome them
Though women are making incredible strides in reshaping the workplace, it’s worth the effort to take time and recognize some of the challenges they’re currently facing and how to overcome them.
With a variety of challenges in the workplace for women, among them are a lack of equal pay, inadequate parental leave policies, and a lack of support from colleagues and supervisors. It can be difficult for women to navigate these challenges, but some strategies can help.
First, women should speak up for themselves and advocate for their rights in the workplace. They should also find a mentor in the industry who can provide guidance and support.
Additionally, women should take advantage of any training and development opportunities their company offers, as these can provide valuable skills and knowledge to help them succeed.
Finally, women should take care of themselves and recognize that their mental and physical health is essential to be successful in the workplace. By taking these steps, women can chip away at the challenges they face in the workplace and reach their full potential. A lot can be said for the challenges and some of the reasons that women see gains are that businesses realize the massive benefits of adding more women workers and leaders.
Having more women leaders in the workplace is beneficial
The presence of women in the workplace has long been a contentious issue. Still, recent research has proven that having a more balanced gender representation in the workforce can provide numerous benefits. For example, studies have found that including women can improve productivity, increase employee engagement, and better financial performance. Furthermore, organizations with higher rates of gender diversity are more likely to attract high-caliber talent and have been shown to have fewer instances of unethical behavior.
The advantages of having more women in the workplace are numerous for companies. Organizations with gender-balanced teams tend to have higher morale, as employees feel more respected and valued. The presence of women in the workplace has also been shown to reduce absenteeism, turnover, and several other adverse effects. The numbers don’t lie, and as more businesses become aware of the benefits of working moms and women leaders, we inch closer to breaking the barriers.
How working mothers are changing corporate culture for the better
It’s no secret that there are still pay gaps and policies that need reform geared toward working mothers and women in general. Still, regardless, they have played an increasingly important role in reshaping corporate cultures for the better. In the past, men were seen as the breadwinners, and their wives were expected to stay home and take care of the household. However, times have changed, and more women are pursuing careers and becoming working mothers. This fact forced a shift in corporate cultures, as companies have had to become more accommodating to working mothers. For instance, many companies now offer flexible working hours, remote opportunities, extended maternity and paternity leave, and on-site childcare facilities.
These policies have been instrumental in creating a more gender-equal workplace and promoting a healthy work-life balance. For example, flexible working hours enable employees to care for their families by working part-time or flexibly. This allows individuals to spend more time with their children and maintain a high-quality work output. In addition, the benefits for employees in the form of increased productivity outweigh the costs in terms of payroll and retention rates during periods of unemployment, which are typically higher than average when people are away from the office too often. Also, remote working opportunities allow employers to hire candidates who live further away from the company’s headquarters and have families that need childcare regularly. Working moms for the win!!
What are some strategies and tools to help women crack through the glass ceiling and become successful leaders?
The last few decades have been ground-breaking for women in the workplace, and as we’ve mentioned, there’s still work to be done. But what are some strategies and tools that can help women keep breaking the barriers? To succeed in leadership roles, women should focus on building their confidence and gaining the skills needed to succeed.
Developing strong communication and public speaking skills, learning to network, and taking on more responsibility are all essential steps. Additionally, having a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and support can be incredibly beneficial. Lastly, some excellent online tools, such as webinars, e-courses, and online life coaching, can give women the skills and confidence needed to become successful leaders. With the right attitude and the appropriate resources, it's incredibly possible for women to break through the glass ceiling and reach their goals.
Women who have helped break the glass ceiling and become successful leaders
Women have made great strides in shattering the glass ceiling and becoming successful industry leaders. One of the most notable examples is Indra Nooyi, who became the CEO of PepsiCo in 2006. She was the first woman to hold this position at a Fortune 500 company and has been widely praised for her leadership, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
Another example is Ursula Burns, who became the first African-American woman to head a Fortune 500 company when she was appointed CEO of Xerox in 2009. During her tenure, she led Xerox to record profitability and was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes.
Additionally, Mary Barra has been Chairman and CEO of General Motors since 2014, becoming the first female CEO in the automotive industry. She has been credited with transforming GM into a leading innovator in the industry and was rightfully named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. These women have all made a tremendous impact and serve as inspiring examples of what can be achieved when women are given the opportunity to lead.
Why you should feel motivated to pursue your career dreams
If there ever was a time to be a woman in the workforce, it is now! Though there is a lot of work to be done with women in the workforce, you have a profound opportunity to break the glass ceiling for yourself and other women who want to pursue their career dreams for decades to come. The future is yours for the taking, and you have the power to mold the world in which you live – what greater purpose is there?
It’s not going to be an easy path, and there will be some heavy lifting. However, you can achieve things you once thought impossible with hard work and dedication. You can make your dreams come true and create a life full of success, fulfillment, and joy. You may face obstacles along the way but have the strength and resilience to overcome them. Embrace your power, and never let anyone get in the way of your dreams. Believe in yourself, be confident in your abilities, and take action. The future is yours to shape, and the possibilities are limitless.
Conclusion: unleashing female
The progress made by women in the workplace has been remarkable and inspiring. Women have broken through the glass ceiling and continue to shatter stereotypes and expectations, taking on leadership roles and showing that they are capable of achieving greatness.
It is empowering to see the boundaries that have been broken and the doors that have been opened for women in the workplace. To continue to make strides, it is important to have faith in yourself and be brave enough to do things that scare you. Women are capable of achieving greatness, and by unleashing their power in the workplace they can create a more equal and diverse world. For this reason, it is important to believe in yourself, Sisters!
Sherry Buckley-Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sherry Buckley-Brown is a Life and Leadership Coach that empowers individuals to recognize their natural born talents and skills. She uses tools and techniques to help you do a deep dive and put a plan of action in place to help you lead your authentic life. Sherry has faced many tragedies in her life and she has dedicated her life to helping others identify what is holding them back and get beyond STUCK. Sherry's famous quotes ‒ "If Not Now Then When" "Life is Short". "Sooner Rather Than Later". If you are ready for your next level, Sherry awaits your call.
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