Celebrating Women’s Progress in the Workplace and Role of Mental Health & Well-being in the Journey

As we mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, it is important to celebrate how far women have come in the professional sphere, but also recognize the progress yet to be made. The female presence in the C-suite has grown by six percent over the last five years—but we still have a long way to go at all levels of the organization to empower women.

Mental health: a significant issue for women in the workplace

In the professional sphere, women face a greater incidence of mental health issues than men, stemming from societal expectations, gender stereotypes, organizational structures that prioritize male leadership, and the need to balance work responsibilities with home life. Research indicates that women are twice as likely to suffer from depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to men. They’re also more likely to battle eating disorders. These statistics reflect the psychological strain that women face in the workplace, which can directly affect their career progression.

The numbers also show inequality in stress and burnout levels between genders. Women in leadership roles report significantly higher rates of chronic stress and exhaustion. According to data from the latest McKinsey paper, “Women in the Workplace,” 43% of female executives experience burnout, compared to 31% of their male counterparts. From our own research at IE, we see that two times as many women vs male counterparts agreed to feeling stress due to their studies, most of the time.

The sources of this additional stress are multifaceted. Firstly, women face greater difficulties in reaching the top levels of their organizations: women constitute 48% of entry-level positions but only 28% of C-suite roles. Secondly, the pressure to succeed and prove themselves in leadership roles can be greater because of this underrepresentation. On top of that, gender-related microaggressions, combined with possible family pressures, add another layer of complexity.

Building resilience and support for a more inclusive society

The journey toward gender equality in the workplace is a collective one. Women supporting women is crucial, as it creates a sense of solidarity and strength. By sharing experiences, offering mentorship, and providing encouragement, women can help each other overcome obstacles and thrive. This support network is invaluable for personal growth and career advancement. That’s why IE University promotes female mentorship programs to help our students learn from other successful women.

Introducing mental health training programs in the workplace can be another way to support gender equality. These programs should focus not just on building resilience to overcome stress and burnout, but also on recognizing and dismantling the gender biases that persist in work environments. Such training can equip both women and men with the tools to navigate bias in the workplace and manage their mental well-being.

Advancing society's understanding and support for women in the workplace involves continuous learning and active efforts. Leaders, regardless of gender, need to implement strategies that bridge the gender gap and promote inclusivity. At IE University, the Women & Allies Office works on building a diverse, empowered community that is ready to tackle these challenges for a more equitable future.

Prioritize well-being for personal and professional success 

Making mental health a priority is especially essential for women in the workplace. Prioritizing well-being helps us use our energy effectively, making us more successful in our jobs. When our mental health is in balance, we have greater concentration, make smarter choices, and complete our tasks efficiently. This not only boosts our own performance but also strengthens our role in the team.

For women juggling multiple roles, managing mental health is even more important. It allows us to stay sharp, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. A clear and focused mind enhances our decision-making, creativity, and ability to collaborate with others, making us invaluable leaders both in the workplace and at home. FRom our research from the Center for Health & Well-being, we see how women and men approach well-being practices varies. Women students tend to engage social networks, speak with family and practice mindfulness more than male counterparts who report engaging more in physical activities and getting on average more hours of sleep. 

Fostering a supportive work environment where mental health is a priority can lead to greater success for everyone, but especially for women aiming for leadership positions. By embracing practices that enhance our mental well-being, we empower ourselves and inspire those around us. This approach is key to breaking down barriers and advancing women’s roles in the workplace.

Yet also important is taking a holistic approach to well-being and considering body practices around movement and sleep and an integrated approach to support mental health and resilience.

The road to gender equality

Women around the world are demanding more fairness in the workplace. This is evidenced by the high turnover of women in management positions due to the feeling that their well-being is not supported. Women are advocating for their own well-being and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, all while frequently going unrecognized for these efforts. 

The good news is that more and more organizations are recognizing the need for a systemic approach to supporting and empowering women. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how companies approach diversity and the inclusion of women in top positions and throughout the organization. We're moving in the right direction, with more businesses recognizing the value of having a diverse leadership team and the unique perspectives women bring to the table. 

This positive change is a result of persistent efforts to challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive work environment. While the journey is still a long one and despite the negative impact the pandemic had, the progress made so far is encouraging. More women in top positions means stronger role models for the next generation, creating a cycle of empowerment and opportunity.