To All The Women Who Have Paved The Way – Happy International Women’s Day 2022!

On this day of acknowledgement and celebration, I found myself considering and reflecting three main points:

1.     Women’s accomplishments

2.     Flexibility in its truest form, and 

3.     The hybrid work environment 

For years and many decades, women have been instrumental in defining and redefining what flexibility truly looks and feels like, and what it represents in an organisational context. With great perseverance and creativity, women have been patiently chipping away, negotiating with their employers for their support and advocacy around modifying and expanding when, how and what work arrangements women engage with. 

So….. reflecting on my three points above, I find it interesting that we often speak of the post pandemic, hybrid work environment as though it is a shiny jewel of genius. It is a label of circumstance. A much needed and desired one, I give it that! But for women in the workplace, it is an extension of the hard work, the perseverance and deserved acknowledgement that flexible work is not only acceptable, but in 2022 is a requirement of successful businesses who align themselves to diversity and social welfare. We have come so far and in the future, I look forward to the day “flexibility” transitions from being an employee benefit to an “understated” element in the way organisations work!

So, to all women who have shown great resilience in paving the way, I thank you for your great efforts. For all the progressive and encouraging leaders and employers who have, and will continue to support women in the workplace, thank you.

Happy International Women’s Day 2022!