Making Invisible Labor Visible: Elevating Women's Contributions at Work

I came across this video on TikTok (Yes I am on TikTok,I find it therapeutic after a long day) about a mum who is on a mission to document the amount of work that goes into being a ‘ Stay at home’’ mum and she is determined to make the invisible work carried by women all over the world Visible. This Video resonated with me because even at work, there is a lot of work that women are saddled with that is dumped under the word ‘’ Operations’’ and is not often celebrated as strategic. However, if those little things are not executed, the entire castle comes crashing down. How often have you heard the phrase, "You need to be more strategic and less tactical" at work? As women, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape where our hard work and contributions can feel invisible. It's time to change that narrative and ensure our efforts are recognized and valued.

Here are some steps to make your work visible and elevate your professional presence:

1. Document Your Contributions Keep a running list of your projects, accomplishments, and key contributions. This not only serves as a reminder of your achievements but also provides concrete evidence during performance reviews or discussions about promotions.
2. Communicate Effectively Share your progress regularly with your team and supervisors. Consider sending updates through email or during meetings, highlighting your strategic input and the impact of your work on the team's goals.
3. Seek Feedback Engage with colleagues and leaders to solicit feedback on your work. This not only fosters collaboration but also positions you as someone open to growth and improvement. Use this feedback to refine your strategies and showcase your adaptability.
4. Claim Your Space in Meetings Make it a point to contribute in meetings. Prepare talking points in advance and practice asserting your ideas confidently. Your voice matters, and regular participation will increase your visibility.
5. Network Strategically Build relationships with colleagues across different departments. Attend networking events and participate in company initiatives. The more people know about your work, the more likely they are to acknowledge and advocate for it.
6. Mentor and Be Mentored Seek mentorship from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges. Additionally, mentor others to share your knowledge and elevate the visibility of women's contributions within your organization.
7. Advocate for Yourself Don’t shy away from discussing your career aspirations and accomplishments with your manager. Be proactive in seeking opportunities for advancement and express your interest in taking on more strategic roles.
8. Celebrate Others Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your peers, especially women in your network. Building a culture of recognition can create a supportive environment where everyone's contributions are highlighted.

As we enter another weekend, after doing a lot of operational invisible work, we should Remember, making your work visible is not just about self-promotion; it's about recognizing the value of your efforts and contributing to a workplace that appreciates and uplifts all voices. Let's take these steps to ensure that our hard work does not go unnoticed!