WOMEN AT WORK: MYTH VS. REALITY

As seen at the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Bloomberg Equality Summit, and the New York Times, a special exhibit, co-hosted by Procter & Gamble and Seneca Women identifies the new myths that are holding women back at work and provides insights and solutions that company leaders can use to create a gender-equal workplace.

ACTION ITEMS: GETTING TO EQUAL

HOW TO MOVE PAST THE MYTHS AND CHANGE THE REALITY FOR WOMEN AT WORK

ACTION: Fix the System, Not the Women

Don’t buy into clichés that say women are less adept at problem-solving, less ambitious or less capable.
Challenge the notion of “what a leader looks like”: Stop using male behavior as the standard.
Recognize that some men interrupt or talk over women. Address the behavior in the moment so that all voices are heard.

ACTION: Tend To Your Talent

Get intentional in hiring, developing and advancing women.
Be creative. Broaden your traditional sources of talent to ensure a balanced workforce.
Expect company leaders to develop young women and men equally. If only men rise to the top at your company, find out why.

ACTION: Think Differently About Tech

Recognize that women are succeeding in all areas of STEM. Showcase successful women in tech as role models to attract more.
Make sure your organization is not only diverse but also inclusive of women.
Support programs that encourage girls to stay in STEM.

ACTION: Share the Load

Recognize that there is nothing inherently masculine or feminine about cooking, cleaning and doing laundry.
Broadcast the facts: Research shows that when men share housework and childcare, their children do better.
Review your parental leave and flex-time policies. Acknowledge that both men and women want to be involved in their children’s lives.

ACTION: Take it Seriously

Review your company’s guidelines on sexual harassment and ensure they are being followed.
Put more women into leadership positions; research shows this decreases on-the-job harassment.
Acknowledge that most men are potential allies who can help end workplace harassment.

“WOMEN AT WORK: MYTH VS REALITY” IN THE NEWS

Helping Women Advance to the C-Suite—CBS
Women Take Center Stage at Davos—CNBC
Women and the World Economic Forum—Deutsche Welle
Davos Takes On Sexual Harassment—Bloomberg News
These Myths Are Holding Women Back in the Workplace—World Economic Forum
The Most Common Excuses for Not Having Enough Women Leaders are Myths—Quartz