Meaningful Work ‘Key’ to Women Thriving at Work, Study Shows

It’s actually not vacations or perks, but making meaningful contributions that are key to helping women to thrive at work, according to a new study.

The survey, carried out by Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, revealed that thriving at work was extremely or very important for the majority (96%) of women. Almost half (42%) of women reported that they felt like they were thriving most of the time, and 49% felt that they were thriving some of the time. In fact, 81% of respondents say that their organisation is committed to supporting their ability to thrive at work. Women of colour are more likely than their White colleagues to say that thriving at work is extremely important. 

Survey participants from the Simmons Leadership Conference earlier this year, which included women in the age range of under 25 to over 75, defined thriving at work as making positive contributions, learning, and being valued and recognized. For managers, the study findings reveal the importance of delegating projects that have a significant impact, providing opportunities for formal and informal learning, and taking time to recognise women employees in the way that is most meaningful to them. 

THRIVING AT WORK

So why is thriving at work important to both the employees and the organisation? For individuals, thriving at work makes them feel happier, and more confident, engaged, and inspired. According to the survey respondents, when they feel they are thriving at work, they are more productive, more likely to go “above and beyond,” and more effective. They also report being better positioned to do their best work. “This is a substantial finding. We know that women want to thrive at work and know what they need in order to do so. In addition, we know organisations WANT discretionary effort and high productivity. This is exciting and most importantly – very doable,” explained Susan MacKenty Brady, CEO of Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership.

So what gets in the way of thriving at work? Participants identified an overwhelming workload as the number one issue preventing women from thriving in their careers. Respondents sent in feedback saying workload kills morale, depletes resources, and forces too many priorities with constant change. 

INSPIRING WOMEN TO THRIVE

So what’s is the secret for managers to inspire women to thrive at work? Managers can give women employees a sense of autonomy, making it safe for them to take risks, and provide opportunities to learn and develop. They can prioritize sustainable workloads and the ability to use paid time off.  Individuals can promote their own thriving by building strong relationships and seeking out opportunities to learn and develop. 

“The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership knows that when women are thriving, they can help others to thrive as well. We are committed to creating a collaborative environment where women from all backgrounds can do their best work,” emphasised MacKenty Brady. 

Click here to read the full report.

RELATED ARTICLES

Women in the workplace remain highly ambitious and are, in fact, just as ambitious as men at nearly every stage of the pipeline, revealed a new study.

A new international study has unveiled the high price that ambitious women pay for their success.

Three-quarters of women around the world want to see more action from companies to help lift the “second” glass ceiling, revealed a recent report.