Companies all across America are continuously looking for ways to diversify their workforces and retain good employees. To do so, businesses of every type and size offer a variety of employee benefits. Many of these standard benefits, such as health insurance and paid vacation, are attractive to both genders.
However, many of the benefits that women want are not included in standard packages, making it more likely that female employees will eventually leave the company. To increase your employee retention rate and keep exceptional women on your staff, consider incorporating these four benefits into your employee packages.
Paid Maternity Leave
Statistics show that nearly half of all American women in the workforce leave their company or put their careers on hiatus for a few years after having children. Unlike other countries from around the world, there is no mandated policy in America requiring companies to provide paid maternity leave. Women then have to choose between their careers and their families, leading to an increased turnover rate among female employees.
By adopting a great maternity leave policy, you can make your company more attractive to female applicants. Knowing they have the resources to take a few months off after having a baby drastically increases the chance that women will return to their former positions as assets to your company.
Telecommute Options
Balancing careers and hectic family schedules is difficult for many women, and having flexible work schedules with telecommuting options could be attractive benefits that help working mothers juggle the various aspects of their lives. Having the freedom to work from home several times a week or work only while kids are napping or in school allows employees to take control of their own schedule. This policy also frees up office resources on days when your employees work outside the office so you can be productive and save money.
Empowering Company Culture
A positive work environment is important to many employees, but it can be an especially valuable asset to women. Many females are still striving to prove they are equally as competent as their male counterparts and should receive the same wages and benefits. Part of creating a positive company culture is proving you are committed to providing equal opportunities for your employees.
Another way to empower women in the workplace is to provide them with professional learning opportunities. Investing in their careers in this way allows women to learn and sharpen professional skills that will benefit your company. It also shows female employees that you are dedicated to enriching their careers and helping them grow so they can be the best versions of themselves.
Paid Sick Leave
No one should have to come to work sick, but this is the case for millions of Americans every day. Women, in particular, often have to choose between staying home to care for sick children or earning a paycheck. By providing paid sick leave for employees, you can drastically reduce the pressure felt by single mothers and give them an avenue to take better care of themselves.
With this stress lifted off of them, women can perform better at their jobs and bring more to your business. They will not have to work through the mental fog that comes with being sick or have to worry about having a child at homesick. This allows women to work harder and help make your business rise above its competitors.
While these four benefits may seem standard, only a small percentage of American companies offer them. These are especially valuable benefits for women, so consider implementing these policies to make your company a more attractive workplace for women.
