Global Women's Leadership Network - Pink Paper

#2: Examine/re-examine work policies and expand flexible and remote work options GWLN members strongly stated that credit unions need to examine or re-examine work policies and invest in flexible and remote work arrangements so that women do not have to sacrifice their commitments to being actively engaged family members while also being top-notch performers in the workplace. One leader described being sent on work travel, and their credit union paid for their child and a caregiver to accompany them. Many credit unions have allowed their staff to work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it remains to be seen whether that flexibility will continue. GWLN members recommend that making it easier for women to juggle competing priorities will allow them to pursue leadership opportunities. WHAT WOMEN CAN DO TO IMPROVE WORK/ LIFE BALANCE #1 Speak up for work/life boundaries GWLN members suggest that women speak up about what they can and cannot do, rather than taking on greater responsibilities at significant costs to their well-being. They suggest that if more women set and maintained boundaries, it could have the effect of shifting the credit union’s overall culture and create ripple effects that benefit everyone . Equally, GWLN members suggest that women actively support others who set and maintain boundaries, taking a collective approach that makes it possible for women to advance in leadership without compromising their well-being. #2 Make a personal commitment to examine overachievement GWLN members recommend women also examine any of their own tendencies toward overachievement. Are there fears of being seen as under-performing that get in the way of balancing work and life? Asking the question can be a good starting place for exploring tendencies toward overachievement with wider circles of trusted friends, professionals, and networks like GWLN. One CEO described how her husband asked for time off for child care responsibilities. When his employer asked, “Could your wife not do that?” he told them “She’s off running an organization!”