Be it Politics, Technical/Non-Technical, Film Fraternity, Sales and many more challenging industries, women are omnipresent. We should feel delighted to have such notable figures in this world as they are proving themselves over and again. But are we looking at it right? Are we witnessing the deeper insights of women being in such varied industries? Are we are just looking at the bright side of it? Every situation has a boon and a bane. The question is have we looked at the bane? How many of us have noted the original reason for women employees quitting their jobs? How many of them speak up in case of serious issues? How many of us know that the darker side dominates over the brighter side in workplace? Women maybe mentally and emotionally strong. But do they have enough strength to face various situations? To be very honest, the challenges faced by men are completely different from the ones faced by women at work.

As we know that harassment has always been a ‘bone of contention’. According to sources and reports, around 87% of women in workplaces do not file a complaint or do not speak up in case of any harassment. Also, around 60% of women face unwanted sexual advances at workplace. Yet they remain silent for various personal reasons and fear of losing their job. It’s not that it is inexorable, but can be minimised as companies are obliged to maintain a POSH Committee (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) for the safety of their women employees and staff.

Workplace sexual harassment prevention has been a top priority for companies going into 2020 and will remain that way long after the high-profile scandals of the last year have faded. As a result, companies may have provided mandatory sexual harassment training to employees, consisting of definitions and clichéd examples. Just an insight though, there is an app that can help you track the number of times men speak over women in meetings. It’s called Woman, Interrupted. Load it on your phone and place it on the table. It doesn’t record it simply tracks when a woman’s voice is interrupted by a man’s. There are limits to this app. It’s not completely inclusive of women and men whose voices pitch outside the norm. But it can provide a rough, data-led way to show your boss the problem.

On the other hand, working mothers today who are called as “multitaskers” face good amount of issues due to work-life balancing. Surveys says that 44% reported that work-life balance is the toughest challenge in workplace. It’s 21st century and women from all around the world want it all; a blissful family, a rewarding career and some solitude to find some time for themselves. It’s not easy to juggle this as being a full-time working mom comes with bouts of stress and guilt for not being able to give equal time to work and family. But every will has a way! Women can speak up for flexible working hours, modification or any amendments in shift timings as it is any day not safe for women to just take a walk alone post 9pm. Working mothers could have talks with their manager to consider scheduling important meetings during the time when the kids are asleep. They could allocate an isolated place for just working. Also, company managers can put themselves in the shoes of a “People’s Manager” as they regularly inquire about their work-life situations where women communicate to them in case of any difficulties or stress faced by them.

Every job has its own value and today people are paid based on the intensity of their job role and designation. We believe that today the disparity in equal wages/pay aren’t existing as an alarming issue. Yet it’s happening in some parts of the world. Reports say Equal pay was listed as the most significant issue in the workplace by 51% of women in Britain. Over the last decade, male graduates could expect to earn 20% more than female graduates. This is why fair remuneration was of the biggest factors. Hence, women employees decide to move to a new job.

How do they tackle such issues? Every women wants to be successful isn’t it? Firstly, sort out your priorities. Both personally and professionally. Ask yourself, what can be compromised or completely non-negotiable? What are the jobs you need to be marvellous at, what are the jobs you can be ‘just good at’? Try to make such adjustments and be clear in what you prioritize. Also there is nothing to feel ashamed of thinking that “I can’t do so much work”
Master the art of delegation! But again, you are in the safer side being clear in what you should delegate, and what not to delegate. This can save you from fatigue and burnout situations. When it comes to personal affairs, working mothers can get the situation sorted by splitting house work with family members. In this way, everything gets balanced! While working at your desk, you can always stay connected with your kids by making video calls as technology allows you to get to know about the whereabouts of your loved ones.

For all working mothers out there, every minute is crucial –at home and at work. If we all need to stay productive, all we need to do is keep chatty co-workers, smartphones, Television, casual surfing and other distractions at bay.
Plan your weekend and allot sometime for ‘yourself’. Sometimes, it’s really alright to think about yourself, have some leisure time and pamper yourself. Go to a spa, get a massage, watch your favourite TV series, read a book, travel solo, or just do nothing at all as many most of us prefer doing nothing, but just sitting and glaring all day!
It’s all about compromises, sacrifices and constant adjustments to lead a decent- comfortable life. It’s better to be prepared and learn to make the most of your time and energy. The more we know ourselves and our priorities, the more balanced our life would be. So, the ball is in your court!

References: https://i-sight.com/resources/guide-to-workplace-sexual-harassment-infographic/