Gender Equality in Action: What Business Owners Can Do to Support Team Member Equity in the Workplace
As I sit here and reflect, I’m reminded of WHY I wanted to scale Our DJ Rocks to do more than just support myself as a creative. I wanted to develop an organization where our DJs could do what they love, while building a career as a creative that could support them financially. This wasn’t an option years ago for many, and especially for women.
Growing up, I watched my family struggle financially and at times the household was very unstable. That fueled this passion to create a career out of doing what you love and while having financial independence to take care of yourself and your family.
I’ve also always believed that we are stronger together than we are as individuals – and so when I hit my first milestone as a business owner of being able to offer my full-time team members health insurance, it was one of the most rewarding feelings!
And as we have grown, we build a team of all genders to support this dream and passion, but we also recognize the unique challenges that women in the workplace face and are committed to promoting gender equality and supporting our team members. So over the years Our DJ Rocks and Photobooth Rocks have focused on building and creating this TOGETHER with our team. #LoveLeadExcel
Here are three ways we’ve encouraged and supported all of our employees, and how you can too:
Professional Development:
We encourage our team to pursue professional development opportunities such as attending workshops, training sessions, and conferences. By providing these opportunities, we empower our employees to grow and develop their skills and knowledge.
Action Step: As a business owner, consider providing professional development opportunities to your team members. This could include offering access to training resources, attending conferences or events, or providing mentorship or coaching programs.
Flexible work arrangements:
We offer flexible work arrangements such as work from home options, part-time work, or flexible hours to support our team members’ work-life balance. By recognizing the unique challenges that everyone may face in balancing work and family responsibilities, we provide them with the flexibility they need to succeed both professionally and personally.
Action Step: Consider offering flexible work arrangements to your employees. This could include allowing them to work from home or offering flexible hours that accommodate their family responsibilities.
Mentorship:
We pair our team members with mentors/leaders within our company or industry to help them grow and develop in their careers. By providing guidance and support from experienced professionals, we help our employees overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals
Action Step: Consider implementing a mentorship program within your company. This could involve pairing employees with more experienced professionals or offering mentorship opportunities through industry organizations. You could also pave the way for your team members in your local industry – to groom them to also be on the board of an organization.
By implementing these strategies, we’ve been able to create a workplace where all of our team members can feel supported and empowered to succeed. As a business owner, you can also take steps to promote gender equality. By doing so, you’ll not only help your team succeed, but also create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.
Learn More!
For more ways to help or get more info here are some helpful resources:
- Visit the International Women’s Day Website
- Learn More about the NACE Orlando Chapter’s Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador
- Learn more or inquire about our ONYX Division
