As more men resign from positions of power amid accusations of sexual harassment and assault, you may be at a loss as to how to let job seekers know that your organization welcomes and supports women. Short of issuing a statement, “we don’t condone or allow this conduct,” is there anything you can do?
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The answer is “yes.”
Strength in Numbers
Consider including statistics about your employee population at your corporate website and your careers site or careers page.
For example:
ABC Company is proud to be an employer that supports the advancement of women in the workplace. As of December 2017, we employ 5,100 people worldwide. Fifty-two percent of our staff members are men and 48 percent are women.
Our seven C-level executives include three women, and women hold 39 percent of other executive positions at our company.
Twelve members of the business community currently serve on our Board of Directors, five of whom are women.
Seeing Is Believing
Further your message with visual images. You can do this by including photos of women employees at your corporate website and your careers site or careers page.
If your careers site includes videos, make sure you include videos of women at work—in all kinds of jobs, especially nontraditional roles. Encourage them to speak about the work environment – and how male colleagues are supportive.
Also showcase women executives and their career journeys. Here again, ask them to speak about the support they’ve received along the way.
Give Women a Voice
Encourage women employees to share their experiences about the company on social media. Likewise, encourage them to blog at your corporate site and elsewhere.
Additionally, include quotes from women leaders in press releases, and make these leaders available to the media for interviews.
Encourage your women leaders and experts to join associations where they can represent the company. Also encourage them to become conference presenters.
Provide Support
Affinity groups and mentor programs offer opportunities for women to support one another. Create a work environment where such interaction is the norm, with or without formal programs.
If your company does have formal programs in place, mention these programs at your careers site.
Accumulate Kudos
Apply for “best” employer awards focused on women. Each year, Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine recognize the 100 Best Companies for Women. Working Mother compiles an annual 100 best list for working moms. The Catalyst Award, given annually to exceptional companies, focuses on workplaces that work for women.
These and other awards allow you to evaluate your organization from the standpoint of best practices and in comparison to your competitors … competitors that are also seeking talent.
When you do receive an award, share the news – and include the award at your careers site and in your job ads.
Sending a Message
Notice a common theme? So will others.
By taking these steps, you are issuing a statement. It says: Women are welcome and supported here.
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Paula Santonocito, Contributing Editor for Recruiting Daily Advisor, is a business journalist specializing in employment issues. She is the author of more than 1,000 articles on a wide range of human resource and career topics, with an emphasis on recruiting and hiring. Her articles have been featured in many global and domestic publications and information outlets, referenced in academic and legal publications as well as books, and translated into several languages. |