Embracing Change: Redefining Support for Working Women

Over the years, the role of women in the workforce has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer confined to traditional expectations, women are thriving in various professions, challenging the balance (or integration) between work and personal life. This shift, though empowering, brings its own set of challenges, often placing immense pressure on working women and impacting their well-being.

Gone are the days of rigid gender roles where women were expected to manage the home, and men were the sole breadwinners. In her 2014 book, "The Wife-Drought," Annabel Crabb argues that working women also deserve the support of wives to level the playing field with their male counterparts. Imagine having someone to handle meal planning and preparation, childcare, laundry, and household chores—this would undoubtedly free up valuable time to focus more on the corporate job at hand. Reflecting on the incredible efforts of the typical working mum, not to mention single working mums who really don't have much support, it becomes evident how vital support services are in keeping everything running smoothly.

Today, women outnumber men in tertiary education and play a vital role in the workforce. While progress has been made, the transition to more balanced responsibilities has been slow. It's essential to question why the focus has been primarily on women's access to the workplace, neglecting men's ability to balance work and family.

To truly support women in the workplace and achieve gender equality, we need to revamp the support services available. Redesigning these services is crucial, considering the changing landscape of gender roles and the challenges faced by both men and women.

Embracing Change in Gender Roles

In the pursuit of gender equality and well-being, it is essential to recognise that everybody loses in a system that perpetuates traditional gender roles. In reshaping societal expectations, support services play a pivotal role and creating an environment that values flexibility and acknowledges the importance of family is key to achieving gender equality. Workplaces that support men in taking time off for family responsibilities empower them to seek a better work-life balance without stigma, a challenge still for many men in the workforce.

Redesigning Support Services

1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Thanks to our changing times, flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, are more accessible. Employers should prioritise these options to help both men and women manage their time effectively.
2. Childcare Solutions: Accessible and affordable childcare options or subsidies are essential. By providing high-quality childcare services, employers can ease the burden on working mothers, allowing them to focus on their careers without compromising their children's well-being.
3. Support Networks: Tailored support networks for working women create a sense of community and understanding. These networks offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help women navigate workplace challenges.
4. Wellness Programs: Prioritising well-being through wellness programs, including access to nutritious meal services such as FoodSt, mental health support and stress management workshops, can significantly impact overall satisfaction and productivity.
5. Financial Planning: Offering financial planning and advice empowers working women to make informed decisions about their finances, fostering financial independence.
6. Career Development Opportunities: Equal opportunities for career advancement are crucial. Investing in training programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development opportunities empowers women to reach their full potential.
7. Work-Life Integration: Redefining work-life balance as work-life integration emphasises flexibility, allowing women to allocate their time based on individual needs and priorities.
8. Partner Support: Recognising the importance of partner support, employers can offer benefits that encourage partners to take an active role in family responsibilities, including parental leave and flexible schedules.

A Personal Journey: Redesigning Support with FoodSt

At the peak of my career, I found myself in a senior corporate role navigating the challenges of starting a family into my life. Balancing the demands of a high-level position with late meetings, early starts, and after-hours work, alongside the responsibilities of daily household tasks and cherishing precious moments with my young children was no easy feat.

To manage, I outsourced cleaning and gardening, relied on nannies, and frequently relied on takeaway meals. It became clear to me that there was a gap in the market for a dinner outsourcing service that truly met the needs of families like mine. This realisation led to the creation of FoodSt, a business that taps into the talents of accredited local home cooks, including fellow mums, to prepare genuine home-cooked meals from scratch for busy individuals, just like myself.

For the past 8 years, FoodSt has been dedicated to supporting working professionals, emphasising authentic home recipes, often passed down through generations, crafted with fresh ingredients and free from any unwanted additives. It's the ideal solution for busy individuals, offering the next best thing to having the time to cook for yourself.

To achieve true gender equality and support working women, we must redefine traditional gender roles and enhance support services. Through flexibility, childcare solutions, support networks, wellness programs, outsourced services like FoodSt, financial planning, career development, work-life integration, and partner support, we can empower women to thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Let's embrace this transition and provide the necessary support to move toward a more equitable and balanced future.

** FoodSt provides Corporate Packages for organisations interested in providing meals as a service to their employees. Please get in touch if you would like more information.