Pre-pandemic, work culture looked different for most of us, especially women. However, since the early months of 2020, companies have started to shift to a more forward-looking direction, one that benefits the career paths for pregnant women and working mothers alike. Though nationally, workplace culture still has a long way to go, some modern companies are paving the way for the future of women in the workplace. Let’s take at the viewpoints on women in some of the most well-known companies in society today.
Flexible Work
The pandemic may have been a catalyst for promoting more flexible work environments, but companies that have continued to offer these flexible or hybrid work arrangements are proving to benefit women and mothers everywhere. In 2021, Google released a statement that they would be moving to a hybrid work week where employers spend approximately three days in the office and two days wherever they work best. They also committed to providing opportunities for completely remote work based on employee role and team needs. Similarly, Salesforce launched an initiative called Success From Anywhere, which enables flexible remote work while creating and sustaining innovation, workplace relationships, and employee development. Another program established by Target, offers team members the option to work more sporadically, picking up occasional shifts that fit their schedules and requiring them to only commit to one shift in a six-month period of time.
Family Leave
There is one thing all working parents can agree upon – the key is finding the right work-life balance for you and your family. Netflix fosters this balance by offering a parental leave policy where employees can take up to 12 months, with most staff members choosing somewhere between 4-8 months of leave time. Google is one of the best workplaces for new moms, thanks to their family-leave policy. New moms get 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, and new dads get six weeks off, also paid. Moreover, Google provides fertility support, caregiver leave, and backup childcare. Microsoft offers benefits for fertility treatments and assistance with adoption fees, likewise providing a generous parental leave policy of up to 20 weeks, which includes adoption and foster placements as well.
Career Development
As the gender pay gap persists, women continue to seek professional development and mentorship opportunities in the workplace. PayPal has a grassroots team called Unity, whose mission is to create more opportunities for women within the company. Some of their efforts include facilitating strong mentoring relationships and fostering career development through hands-on education and leadership observation. Adobe was named one of the best employers for women by Forbes in 2021, in part due to their career development and mentorship programs. In 2018, Adobe launched the Women at Adobe Leadership Council, a program that pairs lower-level mentees with Adobe senior leaders for a six-month mentorship that includes insightful roundtables on topics such as managing across the matrix and building influence.
At Reserve Squad, providing opportunities for women are at the forefront of everything we do. Today’s workplace is not designed with women in mind. With so many women leaving the workforce during the pandemic, Reserve Squad wants to help businesses retain working moms who may otherwise leave their careers. Companies that work with Reserve Squad have a platform that keeps their valued female workforce connected to the company ensuring retention and supporting them in their career trajectory. To learn more, sign up for a free consultation today.