What do women really want in the workplace?

Companies may think they know what women leaders want in the workplace. But do they?

I was reading the 2022 "Make Work Work" survey by Chief, an organisation that supports women executives based in the US. The cliff notes? There is a mismatch between what companies believe women leaders want and what women leaders really want in the workplace.

Now you know where this is going. I can't help but wonder. If companies don't truly know what women want in the workplace, does it mean all the work that they've been doing to supposedly support female leaders has been a waste of time?

What did the data say?

Chief's 2022 Make Work Work survey surveyed an influential group of US-based female executives - 847 in total at the Vice President level or above. These female executives collectively manage $220 billion of the US economy.

The survey asked what they really want in the workplace so they would stay for the long haul.

It turns out that what these women leaders really want in the workplace is not what their companies believe to be.

While equitable pay and flexible work arrangements are important, they alone are not enough to retain these high-power women leaders.

If equitable pay and flexibility don't do it, what will?

Feeling more valued will.

Seventy-four per cent of the respondents in the Make Work Work survey reported feeling more valued as the number one factor that will influence their decision to stay in their job. This was followed by two other tangible manifestations of value: pay (61%) and promotion (41%).

So if executive women from the States seek meaning in what they do, what about younger professional women? What do they want in the workplace? Do they want the same thing?

The University of Sydney’s Australian Women’s Working Futures (AWWF) Project can shed some light.

What do younger professional women want in the workplace?

The AWWF project showed that young Australian women under the age of 40 rated “respect” as the number one consideration on their “workplace wish list” followed by job security, balance of work and care, pay and flexibility.

It seems we women need more than equitable pay and flexible working arrangements (let's face it, these are just fundamental enablers).

What should companies do to better support women in the workplace?

Since there is never going to be a one-size-fits-all solution, companies should consider a "diagnose before design" approach if they want to support their female staff meaningfully.

"Diagnose before you design" is a phrase that I've borrowed from leading Gender Equality Strategist, Michelle Redfern.

In Inclusive Leaders Guide for Listening to Women, Michelle discussed the importance of listening to professional women's lived experiences before creating and implementing any workplace strategies. In her guide, Michelle also shares a practical 5x5 Method to help companies better engage women in the workplace.

Diagnose before design

Before you leave, here is a summary to take with you:

• Our assumptions don't always hold true. What professional women need to succeed is not limited to equitable pay and work flexibility.

• Tangible benefits such as proper financial compensation and flexible working options are the foundation of a fair and decent workplace.

• Tangible benefits should be accompanied by the right culture and policies that value everyone's, including women's, contributions.

So listen to understand and diagnose before design. If you are someone who is in a position to influence your company's culture and policy-making, "diagnose before you design" is the way to go.

If you are a professional woman, what do you really want in a workplace? You are welcome to share your thoughts with me via a LinkedIn message.

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About your author Dr Suzi Chen

Based in Melbourne, Suzi is an impact investor and self-leadership advocate who also runs a project management consulting company Notonos.

Suzi’s work has taken her to the UN Headquarters where she chaired a 2018 gender equity summit in New York City.

Known for her “structured spontaneity”, Suzi combines analytical skills and a creative mind to deliver outcomes. She draws inspiration from her migrant background, writing, arts and interesting people.

The former medical scientist is also an award-winning graphic designer, published author and an avid traveller whose footprints have reached as far as Mongolia.