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Women continue to break barriers and rise through the ranks in various industries. However, the journey to success is rarely a solitary one, and the importance of women supporting women in the workplace cannot be overstated. Regardless of their current positions or levels of seniority, women have a unique opportunity to create a supportive network that fosters growth, equality and empowerment for all.
Below, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members share effective ways in which women can lend each other a helping hand, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and successful workplace environment. Whether you're an entry-level employee or a seasoned executive, the power of solidarity among women in the professional world knows no bounds.
1. Believe In Your And Your Co-Workers’ Abilities
Women can support each other by having a firm belief in their own abilities and those of their women co-workers. The other aspect is around inspiration—can we inspire and be role models for our women colleagues who could be struggling with professional or personal limitations but are committed to their growth? This can help in managing self-limiting beliefs and get going on the path. - Shagun Bhunchal, Magic EdTech
2. Mentor And Understand Your Co-Workers
The most beautiful, organic and thoughtful way for women to support one another in the workplace is through mentorship and understanding. We are all different, but we can all be better from learning from one another. Offer guidance, advice and insights to others, helping navigate challenges and career advancement. The positivity of empowerment and growth is like no other superpower. So great! - Lisa Buckingham, Ellig Group
3. Advocate For Each Other And Be A Coach
Advocate for each other and be a coach in both positive and negative situations. Build a trusting relationship and be curious about what each of us brings to the table. Every female leader comes to the table with different experiences, perspectives and environments that lean into that rather than judge, allowing women (and male) leaders to leverage strengths and build a supportive and healthy relationship. - Yvette Kennedy, Kennedy Talent Strategies
4. Create An Environment Where Women Can Get To Know Each Other
Connectivity remains a powerful tool. Creating environments where women can get to know each other on more than just a professional basis will help create a sense of alliance that organically builds support. Employee resource groups are helpful with this, as they easily identify common interests, but engaging in more social settings can help break down barriers that limit how we show up for each other. - Angela Persaud, Anthem Entertainment
5. Provide Support
Provide unwavering support in navigating bias, stereotypes or discrimination, striving collectively to find solutions and create an inclusive environment. Unite in the pursuit of equal opportunity. - Diana Newmier, CHRO to Go
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6. Be Another Woman’s Voice
Speak another woman’s name when she is not in the room. Be her voice when she is not there to offer hers. For example, highlight her work, advocate for her promotion, recommend her for a project due to her capabilities and accomplishments and support anything that will lead to career acceleration. - Megan McCann, McCann Partners
7. Offer A Safe Place To Discuss Concerns
Often women need a safe place to discuss their concerns, challenges or even ideas without the fear of having their concerns aired with others. As a woman, I find it refreshing when I can confide in another woman who may have gone through similar situations or had similar interactions which reinforces whether my plan is clear and viable. Women supporting women is essential and valuable. - Vanessa Partin, Redgrave LLP
8. Create Connection, Care And A Desire To Help Each Other
It’s all about creating connection, care and a desire to help each other. It’s a culture that enables and embodies that we help each other to win versus win against each other. It’s taking the time to listen, observe and give feedback to each other and most importantly support one another when the other person is not in the room. It’s about giving a helping hand to lift the person up. - Rohini Shankar, Nations Benefits
9. Prioritize Sponsorship
One way women can support each other in the workplace is by taking their advocacy beyond mentorship by prioritizing sponsorship. Sponsorship is powerful because it connects opportunity with advocacy that can lead to access, growth or even career advancement. One benefit of this approach is that it allows people to use the power of their presence and voice in rooms that the sponsors are not in. - Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, BMC Software
10. Be A Mentor
I think back to some of the women who impacted my career journey, and it makes me smile. Regardless of their level, they helped me find my voice, speak with confidence and own the room, which can be hard to do without some coaching and empowerment. I try to pay it forward by sharing my own career learnings with those around me. We can all make a difference if we’re in this together. - Kim Hazen, Fulcrum Therapeutics
11. Make Sure Women's Voices Are Heard
To best support the women we work with, we should make sure our female co-workers have their voices heard. Too often, women are talked over during meetings when they are answering questions directed to them. When women do speak up with suggestions, their contributions are often ignored. When this happens, we should circle back and invite the talked-over woman to speak up and validate her words. - Gina Deciani, Association for Supply Chain Management
12. Be A Sponsor To Each Other
Women can support each other by being sponsors to each other. Mentorship is essential; it is advising and giving professional development. Sponsorship is the next step. It opens up new opportunities for an individual. Sponsors are assisting them in finding new ways to shine and grow. We all need support from others to make the next steps in our careers and to open up those opportunities. - Amy Casciotti, TechSmith Corporation
13. Promote A Culture Of Collaboration And Open Communication
Actively promoting a culture of collaboration and open communication creates an environment where women can thrive professionally and feel supported in the workplace, which is essential for job satisfaction, general well-being and overall success. Encouraging women to share their experiences, insights and ideas freely fosters a culture of inclusion and a sense of unity. - Neepa Patel, WellRight
14. Use Respectful Language
Always use respectful language when speaking to or about women and other groups. For example, not calling women "the girls in the office" or allowing for terms of endearment, like "sweetie" or "honey" when referring to co-workers. These diminishing terms discount the value of women's contributions to an organization and can impact their ability to be considered for future leadership roles. - Tracy Jackson, Clutch
15. Draw Attention To Other Women's Ideas
We all have the ability to draw attention to other women—highlighting their work, naming their responsibilities and connecting them to outcomes. Even when we disagree there is power in saying, "I want to circle back to Tanya's idea, because I don't see it that way." Each of us can use our voice to stand out and shine a light on the great work of other women, giving credit and showcasing talent. - Helene Lollis, Pathbuilders
16. Build An Expansive Network With Women In The Company
Having an expansive network with other women in your organization creates a circle of support. The more networked you are, the wider shadow you can cast and lean in to help. Be visible and leverage opportunities to make those connections. Accessibility breaks down a lot of barriers. If you are more senior in the organization, seek out junior women and ensure they have a line of sight to the network. - Andrea Ferrara, PepsiCo Beverages North America
17. Offer Guidance, Share Experiences And Advocate For Growth
Empowerment through mentorship is key. Women can uplift one another and create a strong support network by offering guidance, sharing experiences and advocating for growth. Whether a seasoned leader or a newcomer, mentorship and reverse mentorship relationships can support continuous growth and development and pave the way forward for success in the workplace. - Neha Mirchandani, BrightPlan
18. Seek Mentorship, Guidance And Feedback
As a woman in the male-dominated tech space, this subject resonates with me. Women must seek mentorship, guidance and feedback while upholding their career and life aspirations. Clear communication is pivotal. We must actively mentor each other. While mutual empowerment is paramount, it’s vital to acknowledge that some of our most ardent champions may be men who champion our intrinsic value. - Liz Corey, Velosio
19. Discuss Your Career Roadmap
A woman-to-woman dialogue makes it easier to share aspirations, discuss hurdles and identify opportunities. This also encourages women to actively share promotion and growth opportunities that arise. The goal is to help women see their potential trajectory within the organization, navigate their career paths confidently with other women and invest in each other's success. - Ahva Sadeghi, Symba
20. Provide Constructive Feedback
Don't hold back from providing constructive feedback to other women that will help them improve and further their careers. I've seen women hold back on providing feedback as they don't want to be perceived as criticizing or bringing another woman down. If you have relevant experience or perspectives, it's your duty to share—in a constructive manner—and to support that person's continued growth. - Andrea Davey, Scout Talent Group
