Forget the glass ceiling: how do we make more room for women at the corporate table?

For women in the world of work, we’ve all heard about the glass ceiling. We’ve also heard of - and likely experienced - people breaking through the glass ceiling….but pulling the ladder up after them. Well, we’re here to envision a new picture: one where there is no glass ceiling, but an equal table. And the only issue is how we can fit more seats for the women around us. 

While the feel-good adverts and internal initiatives might have us thinking that we’re already there, when it comes to getting more women around the corporate table, we’ve still got a long way to go. And when it comes to women of color, or women who are disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise part of a minority, it’s an even bigger issue.  

So, how do we continue to push for better – both for ourselves and the women around us? 

Get coordinated 

It’s easy to say “Women have to do it ourselves” or, on the contrary, “We need men to get on board in order for it to truly happen”. The fact is, we need both to coordinate to get the best results for women in business. Make sure everyone is involved in your equality initiatives, and make sure everyone is hiring from a place of increased diversity.   

Embrace female qualities 

It’s a tired old trope that ‘male’ qualities - such as strictness or control - make for the best leaders. In more recent years, it’s actually been proven that more feminine traits - such as compassion and cooperation - work better in positions of power. If we want to see women succeed in corporate positions, it’s important that we start to see these traits as strengths, rather than weaknesses. 

Empower the women around you

What goes around comes around! One of the best ways to get yourself a seat at the table is by empowering the women around you to do the same. It’s going to take a whole lot longer to achieve real equality if we’re all on our own singular journey. Get past the idea that there is only room for a few, and boldly shout about the achievements and talents of the women you work with. 

Build our own table 

Unfortunately, you’re not always going to be coming across people who are willing to change. In cases such as these, it’s important to remember that you can always build your own table in the face of those who refuse to let you join theirs. Forge out space for yourself and the women around you, and don’t waste your time and energy trying to persuade those who are committed to their archaic beliefs.   

At Remotify, we’re all about putting people first. We believe that happy employees produce better results. Better results produce happy employers. It’s a reciprocity cycle. If you want to find out how our services can inject some joy and passion into your teams, get in touch today.