Women in Financial Services
The Human Workplace
Rhian Bowler / 20 Mar 2017
Some women have questioned the need for women only memberships and networking group (I used to be one of them). However, through our business conversations with leading banks, coaching conversations with members, and hosting events, it’s clear the financial services sector has a way to go to achieve gender parity in the workplace. Many companies have signed up to the Women in Finance Charter, but progress is arguably slow for some. E2W believes in the ‘human workplace’ and equality for everyone.
Over the next three months we will be discussing the ‘human workplace’ and debating what we can all do to bring about change and provide insight into what could differ. Senior executives have a major role in instigating and driving cultural change through the organisation, however everyone has a role in raising awareness. Initiating conversations around unconscious biases is one way we can promote awareness and discussions. By collectively finding our voice and supporting each other, we can all strive to be more human together.
What would happen in the ‘Human Workplace’? How would it differ?
- Men and women will be aware of gender working differences and work supportively alongside each other (no more exclusion from meetings, either by invitation or avoidance during meetings)
- Everyone will be paid fairly and equitably – the Gender pay gap will be assigned to the history books
- Flexible working practices will have equitable take up
- Strategic recruitment and retention policies will embrace the untapped skilled returners, and managers will recognise the value of transferable skills
- The pipeline will be bursting with talent, feeding c-suite and board level positions
- Financial Services and Technology will be seen as the place for young women to start their careers
- We will stop mentioning the gender of the person (‘woman CEO) and recognise the personal achievement
- The human workplace will recognise the value, worth and potential of every star employee, and managers are no longer threatened by talented women
- The culture of the workplace embraces trusts, respect and output rather than ‘presenteeism’ and favouritism.
Following on from the E2W Equality event during Women’s International Week, we all have a role in promoting diversity and inclusion at work. Senior executives have a major role in instigating and driving cultural change through the organisation, however everyone has a role in raising awareness. Initiating conversations around unconscious biases is one way we can promote awareness and discussions. By collectively finding our voice and supporting each other, we can make a change. Find your voice – let’s all be more human together.
We will be debating this further over the next three months and welcome your input and insights.
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