“Girlbossing” and” Leaning In,” a Decade Later

We’re back with another edition of The SKM Report, our place to talk shop and share insights about our favorite demographic (hint: it’s women).? Let’s get into it.

What Millennial Women Want at Work

It’s been a decade since women were first told to “lean in” and “girlboss” their way to the top of the corporate ladder. But these days, many are taking a more holistic approach to their career. The “life” part of work-life balance can no longer be ignored, and putting in the extra hours to get that next promotion is not always the goal (nor is it realistic).?

Through our research arm SKM Insights (which aims to uncover womens’ feelings, thoughts and behaviors), millennial women in particular have told us they’re rewriting the script for what professional success means to them. Here’s how.

Girlbosses Can’t Come to The Phone Right Now

According to Gallup, 69% of women say their number one reason for taking their next job is greater work-life balance and better personal wellbeing. “Anti-hustle” trends like quiet quitting and lazy girl jobs are on the rise, but not because of a lack of ambition. Sky-high employee burnout rates, companies backpedaling on pandemic-era policies, and a lack of societal and company support for child care and paid family leave – when half of women still bear the majority of the at-home responsibilities – are contributing to this shift.

Her Way or the Highway

Women aren’t getting promoted at the same rate as men. Only 81 women were promoted to manager for every 100 men in 2024 — a ratio that has remained stagnant over the last five years. And the wage gap? Still very much a thing. Women are taking matters into their own hands to create the work environment they desire and the earning potential they deserve. Case in point: women started half of all new businesses in 2023. That’s girl math we can get behind.

(Not) Working 9 to 5

Another way women are making work, well, work for them? They’re ditching the traditional 9-to-5 desk jobs. Thanks to the rise of gig and creator economies, they have more opportunities than ever to lean sideways, not just in. One in three Americans now have a side hustle, with many seeking increasingly creative ways to earn extra cash.

Coffee Talk

Whether your “water cooler” is actually a snack closet or a craftily named Slack channel, sharing recs and swapping links with coworkers is one of the best parts of work. Here are a few things we’re chatting about these days.

?? Hot to go. Menopause costs the US economy $26.6 billion every year. And millennials are willing to leave their jobs because of it.

?????? Class is in session. You mean there are courses that can actually help you become more productive at work? Say less.

?? Happy holidays? A contentious election. Inflation. Less than four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.?Not just things that stress us out, but factors that will impact holiday consumers in 2024.?

?? Defying gravity. Wicked is getting the Barbie treatment this holiday season, proving that this highly-anticipated film and these brands deserve each other.

?? Getting reel. Béis founder Shay Mitchell explains why she’s turning her employees into mini social media stars.?

?? Paw-fect pair. Milk-Bone parodies romcom trailers in their latest marketing campaign. Warning: You may feel the sudden urge to pet your dog.?

?? Name changer. This report dives into the impact of keeping or changing your maiden name (both professionally and personally).

?? Unwrapped. Gift giving anxiety, please exit stage left. Our 2024 holiday gift guide has something for everyone on your list.?

Until next time,

Your friends at SKM Lab (who are we? Glad you asked)

PS… Have questions or want to chat? Reach us at [email protected].