How Are Women Shaping The Future of Work?

The history of women in the workforce has been a journey of resilience and breakthroughs. From being restricted to certain roles to now leading Fortune 500 companies, the progression reflects a broader societal shift towards equality and recognition of women's capabilities.

Today, women are at the forefront of reshaping work landscapes, championing flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation. This is a special edition where we delve into how women are steering the future of work towards a more adaptive and equitable horizon.

Oh, it's special because it's released on the month dedicated to women.

The Rise of Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

The ascendancy of women in leadership roles and entrepreneurship marks a significant chapter in the future of work. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability. Women leaders bring unique perspectives, driving innovation and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Entrepreneurship sees a similar trend, with women founding startups that address untapped market needs and social issues. From tech innovators like Whitney Wolfe Herd of Bumble to social entrepreneurs like Leila Janah of Samasource, women are redefining success metrics beyond financial gains, emphasizing social impact and workplace flexibility.

Emergence of Flexible Work Models

Flexible work models have become a cornerstone of modern work cultures, largely propelled by women's advocacy for work-life balance. The transition to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the viability of flexible working hours and locations. Women, in particular, have benefited from and championed these changes, leading to more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Flexible work models not only support working mothers but also open doors for women in remote or underserved regions to participate in the global workforce. Companies like Automattic and Zapier , which operate on fully remote models, have showcased the success of flexibility in attracting top talent, irrespective of geographical boundaries.

In the Indian context, we have several organizations like Chargebee , inFeedo AI , Branch , Betterworks and much more revolutionizing the "flexibility" aspect with better systems and processes.

Want to know what's so new?

Hear from Arohi Shah below:

In a recent interaction with ?Mine (Kocadag) Dedekoca , we realized that women don't just shape up the remote culture but also paint the outline for the future work model of an organization.

Role of Women in the Future of Work

Women's influence in shaping the future of work extends beyond leadership and entrepreneurship. They are pivotal in advocating for policies that ensure workplace equality, from equal pay to anti-discrimination measures. Initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM fields are gaining momentum, thanks to the efforts of organizations like Girls Who Code, founded by Reshma Saujani .

Moreover, women are at the forefront of integrating technology with ethical considerations, ensuring that the future of work is not only flexible but also humane and equitable. Their role in steering the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning towards ethical standards and inclusivity cannot be understated.

Talking about women and their role in shaping future of work, Supriya P. who's into designing the adaptive work model for Chargebee actively plunged in to share her thoughts:

In the context of future of work, women are not merely participants; they are actively shaping it with mindfulness, empathy, and empowerment. As women break down geographical and hierarchical barriers, their leadership presence is playing a pivotal role in shaping inclusive environments where every voice is valued, regardless of gender, generation, location, work mode or any other such aspect. Their innate ability to offer a holistic perspective is driving us toward crafting modern, technologically advanced yet compassionate work environments, leading us to explore sustainable options as we shape the future of work. With their unique attributes, women are not only inspiring other women but also empowering a global community, irrespective of gender, to aim higher!

Sanchari Pait heading people engagement and branding at Branch states with pride:

Modern workplaces are about bringing your whole self to work! Today, we're not just another cog. Each one of us is a complete person with responsibilities, hobbies and interests outside of work. With more women and diverse genders at the workplace- especially in leadership- there's growing focus on inclusion. With that, workplaces are increasingly warming up to the the non-work aspects of life such as caring for parents and children, making time for hobbies and wellness or accommodating flexible work schedules.?And that's definitely the way to go for future-ready workplaces!

On the other hand, we also have a future of work advocate and remote work leadership expert Pradnya Patil giving a glimpse on unparalleled capacities of women.

Women leaders are holding the baton in the "Future of work" as their human-centric leadership in remote and hybrid settings fosters empathy, connection, and innovation, creating a workplace that values people over processes. It's high time we tap into our higher consciousness & qualities that make us "great human beings".

At GoFloaters, our flagship product WorqFlexi sees visible increase in adoption of flexible workspaces by women.

Check it out here:

The role of women in the future of work in India is multifaceted, driving not just economic growth but also societal change towards gender equality and inclusivity. As India continues to evolve in its digital and economic landscape, the contribution of women will be paramount.

The journey ahead is not without challenges, but with continued advocacy, support, and policy reforms, women in India are poised to redefine the future of work, making it more inclusive, flexible, and equitable for everyone.

So, do you agree that women play equal or possibly better roles in shaping the future of work?