Prioritising women’s needs in the workplace: Insights from our LinkedIn poll

At The Change Partners, we’ve long been advocates for fostering an inclusive workplace environment where the needs of women are not only acknowledged but actively met. On International Women’s Day, we asked 67 working women from our LinkedIn community to shed light on the working benefits that matter most to them in today’s ever-evolving workforce. 

We asked: “As a woman in the workplace, which benefits are most important to you?” The response was resounding and enlightening, reflecting the diverse priorities and aspirations of women in various professional spheres.

Out of the options presented – Pension, Structured Career Path, Flexible Working and Maternity Benefits – one benefit emerged as the clear frontrunner: Flexible Working. 73% of respondents identified flexible working arrangements as the most crucial benefit for women in the workplace.

This resounding endorsement of flexible working speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of modern work culture and the evolving expectations of employees, particularly women. Flexible working arrangements encompass a spectrum of options, from remote work and flexible hours to job sharing and compressed workweeks. For many women, especially those juggling multiple responsibilities such as caregiving and household duties, the flexibility to manage their work schedule and location is invaluable.

The significance of flexible working goes beyond mere convenience; it fosters greater work-life balance, enhances job satisfaction and facilitates increased productivity and engagement. By enabling women to tailor their work schedules to align with their personal commitments and preferences, organisations can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Structured career paths

While flexible working emerged as the predominant preference, other benefits also garnered attention from our respondents. Structured Career Path, with 15% of the votes, highlights the importance of providing clear avenues for professional growth and advancement. Women are increasingly seeking opportunities for mentorship, skills development and advancement within their organisations, emphasising the need for transparent career progression frameworks.

Pension benefits, though receiving a smaller share of the votes at 10%, remain a critical aspect of financial security and long-term planning for women in the workforce. As advocates for gender equality, it’s essential to ensure that women have equitable access to retirement savings and investment opportunities, mitigating potential disparities in financial well-being.

Interestingly, Maternity Benefits received the least votes, at 1%, indicating a potential shift in focus towards broader inclusivity beyond traditional gender-specific benefits. While maternity benefits are undeniably important for supporting working mothers during pregnancy and childbirth, the emphasis on flexible working suggests a broader recognition of the diverse needs and aspirations of women throughout their careers.

Gender-inclusive policies

The insights gleaned from our LinkedIn poll highlight the imperative for organisations to prioritise gender-inclusive policies and practices that empower women in the workplace. By championing flexible working arrangements, fostering structured career paths and ensuring equitable access to benefits such as pensions, organisations can create environments where all employees, regardless of gender, thrive and succeed.