How To Create A Female-Friendly Work Environment
Getting women involved in high-tech fields is a hot topic for many industries. However, the problem is often that women do not choose those fields. Many times this is because the work environment is not one that women look for, whether consciously or not. Here are a few ways to create a work environment that are more likely to attract women.
Allow Work to be Done Remotely
While times are changing and women work outside the home, they are still the main caregivers when it comes to children. By allowing your work to be done remotely, women will feel more at ease to apply, knowing that if the children are sick, they will already at home. In addition, it allows women the ability to work when children are young, without having to worry about daycare costs. Finally, by allowing work to be done remotely, you will show that you do not mind where they do the work, as long as the work is completed by the deadline.
Cater to Moms
If you want women in your workforce, you need to cater to mothers. Not all women will become moms, but a vast majority will at some point. If women feel that becoming a mother will prevent them from continuing the job, they are not likely to be interested in the field, or they will feel pressured to leave when they get pregnant. The best way to create a mom-friendly environment is to offer cafeteria plans for medical and dependent care. This will allow them to pay for childcare tax free. In addition, make sure they have a safe and quiet place they can pump breast milk after having a child and offer maternity leave that is up to 12 weeks.
Keep Pay the Same
If you hire a woman to do the same work as a man, make sure the pay is the same. You want to make sure you pay a person what they are worth, regardless of their gender. When you are talking salary, make sure you are clear as to what you are looking for and what wages you think is fair, but be willing to enter negotiations. If a woman feels you are being fair when it comes to pay, she is more likely to stay on the job and become an asset. High turnover rates hurt your profit and productivity as well as prevent others from wanting to work in the business.
Finally, one of the best ways to create a work environment that will speak to women is by offering a mentoring program for girls and other women. When you teach women, you are more likely to hire women. This will, in turn, show others that you have an environment that women can feel comfortable working long-term in.
To learn more about diversity in the workplace, contact a company such as DiversityInc.