How HR Can Better Support Women at Work

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and organizations must promote and uphold it in the workplace. HR systems, particularly those managing performance and rewards, play a crucial role in ensuring inclusivity and equity for women.

1. A key element in supporting women's equality is a data-driven approach. By using data analytics, HR can identify and address gender disparities such as unequal pay, lack of leadership representation, and hiring biases. Advanced analytics can uncover hidden biases in pay practices and propose remediation steps, helping to make informed decisions that advance gender equality.

2. Flexible work arrangements are also essential. Women often face unique challenges, such as caregiving responsibilities, which can hinder their ability to work traditional schedules. HR systems should allow for telecommuting, part-time work, and flexible hours, enabling women to balance work and personal life. This flexibility helps retain talented women, reduces turnover, and increases productivity.

3. Diverse hiring and career development are crucial for promoting gender equality. HR systems should facilitate diversity in the hiring process, actively seeking out women and other underrepresented groups using unbiased selection criteria. Additionally, HR should support women's career development by offering training, mentorship, and sponsorship programs to help them advance and reach their full potential.

4. Providing feedback and coaching is vital for women's career advancement. Research shows that men receive more actionable feedback than women. Without clear guidance, women must work harder to meet expectations. HR systems should include mechanisms for peer feedback and 360 surveys, along with effective coaching from managers, to ensure women receive the feedback needed for self-awareness and career progression.

5. Pay transparency and equity are significant challenges. HR systems should provide pay transparency, making compensation information readily available to employees. This promotes fairness, accountability, and helps eliminate gender-based pay disparities.

6. Regular monitoring and tracking progress are necessary to ensure HR systems effectively support women's equality. Regular audits, surveys, and employee feedback mechanisms should be used to continuously improve HR systems.

Great policies are ineffective without proper implementation. Companies serious about women's equality must have KPIs and policies, along with the systems to make them a reality. By adopting data-driven approaches, flexible work arrangements, diverse hiring and development, feedback and coaching, pay transparency, and ongoing monitoring, HR can create a more equitable workplace. Organizations must prioritize gender equality and invest in HR systems that support it to leverage the talent and potential of women.

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Sourabh Deorah Smiti Bhatt Deorah Raj Tanwar SHRM India People Matters ETHRWorld WORLD HRD Congress Advantage Club