Diverse work environments offer managers new opportunities for coaching. Large corporations understand the multiple benefits that a Diverse workforce offers – so much so, that they have entire departments dedicated to coaching, training and employee development.   Companies like Southwest, Proctor and Gamble and Google, invest in their workforce while taking in active part in ensuring positive work environments. Ultimately, both men and Women bring diverse talents to their own work output, but together supportive teams can triple their productivity.

We see gender differences in research and communication styles. For example, women search for jobs differently. “Specifically, we found that women are more likely than men to rely on their friends and personal networks as well as job review sites when looking for a new position whereas men are more likely than women to use traditional job boards and LinkedIn when looking for their new positions”. (Huang, Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgenehuang/2017/12/26/2017-in-review-the-state-of-gender-equality-in-the-workplace/#4f100f8d4bc6).

By searching through their own networks, professional women will receive the ‘real’ review on the company culture. As a mom, you may be interested in how the company handles work and life balance. For example, women tend to focus on open communication and understand the value of connecting with co-workers. By understanding your team and working well together, teams with a strong sense of acceptance and understanding will be more likely to share and work openly together. This in turn benefits the company with a great work product.

Provide a safe place for leadership to have candid discussions. Managers should consider a monthly one on one or a team meeting where candid discussion is not only respected but encouraged. Truly diverse teams will recognize and potentially be positively encouraging to do the same. If the Leadership or Senior team does not help the initiative will not go very far. They will see the team as capable, share accomplishments and always stay positive – a feeling of honest connect that is rarely applied on teams. Also, HR should invest in new training for their employees regarding appropriate behavior. A new policy should also be but in place that protect the victim from retaliation.

According to a recent article in Wisestep, “They (women) believe in fair playing following ethical codes. While most of the men focus on running the Business well, women acknowledge the rights and contribution of others in pursuit of fairness”. (Source: https://content.wisestep.com/top-advantages-women-bring-to-the-workplace/)

Women add real value to board rooms and leadership. There are many reasons to ensure your senior team is diverse, however now we know that it is profitable as well. According to University of Amsterdam, team performance as measured by sales, profit, profit per share and probability of profit increased consistently as the percentage of women on the team increased to 55%, after which performance began to diminish. (This finding is consistent with a study reported in the Harvard Business Review in the same year, using a different methodology.) (source: https://inpowercoaching.com/research-says-gender-diversity-improves-team-performance/).

According to a worldwide survey, conducted by Pittsburgh-based human resources consulting firm DDI together with nonprofit business research group The Conference Board, in the companies that have the top 20% of financial performance, 27% of leaders are women. (source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/08/05/companies-do-better-with-women-leaders-but-women-need-more-confidence-to-lead-study-says/#32048ca35ffc)

Overall, it is critical for business to understand that the #metoo movement is much more then just a movement. Along with the ideas in this article, leadership should take a careful audit of their hiring processes, their policies and their company culture to address issues now. Ultimately, now is the time for enhancements and positive change. Both action and awareness will impact your business regardless. Therefore, take control now to embrace change and increase productivity as well.