Women's Leadership Blog

What Employers Can (and Must) Do To Support Professional Women

A guest post by Kathy Caprino:

Several months ago, I penned a cover article called "Women in Today's Workforce Have Unique Opportunities: A New Call to Action for Women - And Employers" for CA Employer, the monthly newsletter of Employers Group.

The article shares key findings from my national research study with working women about the 12 "hidden" crises they face today, along with eight recommended approaches for employers to take that will help women not only survive the current challenges they face, but thrive in their professional roles over the long arc of their careers. It's evident that women are not "men in skirts," and the current male competitive career model in place simply doesn't fit women, and never will. A fundamental change in the model and in our thinking is in order. We're on our way, but much more needs to be done.

My research has uncovered widespread feelings of disempowerment among women - in their relationship with themselves, others, the world and their "higher" selves, leading to 12 common crises. These crises are characterized by "I can't do this" thinking - a negative mantra and desperate cry for help.

Among the 12 hidden crises working women face today are:

•  Suffering from chronic health problems

Failing health-a chronic illness or ailment-that won't respond to treatment

The mantra: "I can't resolve my health problems."

•  Losing your "voice"

Contending with a crippling inability to speak up-unable to be an advocate for yourself or others, for fear of criticism, rejection, or punishment

The mantra: "I can't speak up without being punished."

•   Facing abuse or mistreatment

Being treated badly, even intolerably, at work-and choosing to stay

The mantra: "I can't stop this cycle of mistreatment."

•  Feeling trapped by financial fears

Remaining in a negative situation solely because of money

The mantra: "I can't get out of this financial trap."

•  Wasting your real talents

Realizing your work no longer fits and desperately wanting to use your natural talents and abilities

The mantra: "I can't use my real talents."

•  Struggling to balance life and work

Trying-and failing-to balance it all, and feeling like you're letting down who
and what matters most

The mantra: "I can't balance my life and work."

A professional crisis is telling you that change must occur - now. That doesn't mean it will be easy-most likely, it won't-but, one step at a time, breakdown can lead to a true "breakthrough" in how you live and work. Breaking through is a process-not a one-size-fits-all quick fix. Throughout that process, three steps are critical: Step Back - to gain an empowered perspective; Let Go - to release the thoughts and actions that keep you stuck; and Say Yes! - to yourself and your compelling visions of a life and career of passion, power, and purpose.

The recommendations I offer employers are powerful and effective in supporting women's needs and priorities, based on six years of research with professional women, as well as my coaching and seminar work with thousands of women in a wide range of fields and industries across the country.

I'd love to hear your views about this article, and my recommendations. Do your personal experiences match the crises and challenges I describe? And do you believe that the recommended initiatives would go the distance in helping you overcome your challenges effectively? What additional actions would you suggest employers take - specifically and tactically - to support women in overcoming the obstacles they face?

Please share your experiences and viewpoints here. Add your voice to the discussion, and your recommendations to the research. Diversity of thinking is vital today, as is an empowered, authentic, and contemporary dialogue about what career women are facing, and what is needed to support and enliven women.

Thank you speaking up, and sharing your voice in this powerful breakthrough movement for women.

Wishing you many happy breakthroughs,
Kathy Caprino

Kathy Caprino, MA, is a nationally-recognized women's work-life expert and author of Breakdown, Breakthrough: The Professional Woman's Guide to Claiming a Life of Passion, Power, and Purpose (Berrett-Koehler, 2008, www.breakdownbreakthrough.com). Founder and President of Ellia Communications, Inc. -- a career and work-life coaching and consulting company dedicated to helping women achieve breakthrough in life and work, Caprino is a trained psychotherapist, seasoned career and life coach, and sought-after writer and speaker on women's issues. She is a popular blogger on business, workplace, and career topics and trends, and as a top media source, she has appeared in more than 100 leading newspapers and magazines and on national television. Contact her at Kathy@elliacommunications.com.

 

Don't miss 'Break Through, Don't Break Down!' an interactive coaching seminar with Kathy on October 14 in San Francisco. Click here to register.