5 Ways To Support Women In The Workplace & Cultivate Strong Performance

International Women’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the progress women have made in the workforce and show appreciation for the women in your life. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on workplace practices and consider ways to foster greater inclusivity and equity. Here are five impactful ways to support women in the workplace while strengthening your attraction, retention, and engagement strategies.

Don’t Base Job Offers on Previous Earnings

In February 2024, Better Allies reported that Oracle agreed to pay $25 million to settle a gender pay discrimination lawsuit. The claim was that Oracle paid women less than men in similar roles. While Oracle argued that factors such as experience and training influenced pay disparities, an expert witness revealed that Oracle was using prior salaries as justification—ultimately perpetuating the gender pay gap.

When job offers are based on previous earnings, employees who were underpaid in previous roles remain underpaid in new ones. To close the wage gap, organizations should focus on market-based salaries and pay equity audits to ensure compensation aligns with skills, experience, and the role’s true value.

Sponsorship Matters

Endorsing a woman’s ideas and saying her name in rooms where she’s not present can make a tangible impact. Studies show that sponsorship—particularly from senior leaders—significantly accelerates career advancement. Having an influential sponsor who actively advocates for opportunities, provides guidance, and supports women in navigating workplace dynamics can dramatically improve career outcomes.

Provide Leadership Development Opportunities

Diversity at the decision-making level is just as important as representation in the workforce. Organizations need to play an active role in developing female leaders.

Consider offering targeted leadership programs and mentorship initiatives to support women’s career progression. By investing in professional development, businesses can cultivate a broader range of perspectives and ideas at the executive level—leading to stronger innovation and decision-making.

Prioritize Family-Friendly Policies

Supporting women in the workplace also means supporting working parents and caregivers. Implementing family-friendly policies such as:

• Paid parental leave
• Childcare assistance
• Designated lactation spaces

…helps employees balance work and family responsibilities, improving job satisfaction and retention.

These benefits aren’t just for women—they also support working fathers and caregivers, creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all. Offering perks like on-site childcare facilities or subsidized childcare expenses can also help attract top talent, particularly among younger generations who prioritize family-friendly workplaces.

Promote Flexible Work Arrangements & Parental Leave for Men

Yes, you read that right. Supporting women also means encouraging men to take full advantage of parental leave.

In many industries, men still face stigma for taking time off for caregiving, reinforcing the expectation that women should bear the bulk of family responsibilities while also striving to advance their careers.

By normalizing flexible work policies for all genders, companies can lighten the load on women and foster a work culture that supports diverse lifestyles.

Need Help?

Awaken HR provides support in all these areas, including:

• Respectful Workplace Training
• Leadership Training
• Workplace Policies for Inclusion & Equity
• Strategic Diversity Initiatives

For more information, visit www.AwakenHR.com.

About the Author

Serena Morphy, CPHR, is a culture, inclusion, and engagement strategist and the Founder and Principal of Awaken HR, a Canadian HR consultancy dedicated to creating value-based workplace cultures and diverse, inclusive environments. She works with organizations to ensure employees and teams have the communication, training, tools, and resources they need to thrive.