Young Bartola, Michoacán, Mexico
Women’s History Month, recognized in March, offers a thoughtful opportunity to reflect on the importance of women’s contributions to and achievements in the workplace, society and humanity as a whole.
Women have come a long way. From pushing for opportunities to have a seat at the table in a professional setting to battles to protect and expand women’s health rights, women are fighters. And while the gains have been tremendous, we still have work to do.
Whether you are a solopreneur or lead a large team, celebrating Women’s History Month in the workplace offers learning opportunities, chances to foster connection, and ways to show your employees you care for and appreciate them.
Here’s 4 recommendations on how to celebrate Women’s History Month that lead to personal and professional growth within your organization, no matter its size.
Reflect on Personal Stories
At Bestola, a key value we hold close is paying homage to our roots. We come from a long line of warrior women who fought to better their families and communities, and we reflect their legacies in the work we do. Whether the females in our lives are present or not, we all have mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and others who have paved the path in their own ways.
Part of celebrating Women’s History Month is reflecting on these women and their contributions, and using their stories to inspire the future. We are the people we are today in part because of their impact.
Ways to honor the legacies of the women in your life:
-
Journal: Whether you encourage your team members to take some solo time to reflect or you host a workshop, putting pen to paper offers a holistic way to celebrate Women’s History Month. Start with prompts about who has impacted you, what that impact was and what that means for the contributions you will make.
-
Highlight Mentors: From your company’s social media to a bulletin board in an office common space, give your employees the opportunity to acknowledge the women who helped bring them up. Create a way to share their names and the ways they made an impact.
-
Share Women’s History Month Knowledge: Whether through internal emails, as a way to kick off meetings or posted throughout the office, a Women’s History Month message to employees — sharing prominent women throughout history, professional female leaders, women’s rights milestones and more — can help cultivate appreciation and respect.
Young Bess, Chicago, Illinois
Foster a Positive Workplace Environment
We’ll say it louder for the people in the back: Women are fighters. This tenacity can be wielded to create progress and empowerment. Unfortunately, it can also be harnessed as a tool for jealousy and less-than behavior.
Engaging in tacky gossip, putting female coworkers down, or letting egos and small mindsets win have no place in the continued betterment of all. These actions are also incredibly unprofessional and immature.
As a leader, you set the standard for workplace conduct, and your team will reflect what you accept. Women’s History Month offers a reason to turn inward on how you are helping your employees continue to grow into thoughtful, responsible individuals — or, how you’re inhibiting poor behavior.
Prioritize Healthy Habits
Women often take on many roles. Leader. Caregiver. Home Chef. Housekeeper. Juggling all the roles is a one-way ticket to burnout. Wanting to achieve success in all things is unrealistic, and often the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle fall to the wayside as women put others’ priorities over their own.
Part of being a quality leader and contributor to the greater good requires taking care of yourself. In celebration of Women’s History Month and beyond, prioritizing self-care should be a non-negotiable. Ways to maintain a healthy balance include:
-
Set Boundaries: In work and in life, we can’t be everything to everyone. Get clear on what matters most to you and let the rest go.
-
Keep the Promises You Make to Yourself: Thinking of rescheduling that appointment? Don’t. Working late again despite committing to closing your laptop at 5? Remember what’s important.
-
Practice Mindfulness: Daily life is chaotic. Practice taking a moment to pause and just breathe. Recentering helps bring everything into focus.
Surround Yourself With Positive Influences
From left to right: Cristina Morales, Owner, RMCM Salon (and Idalia Denk, future leader in mom’s tummy), Elena Valentine, Founder, Skill Scout, Jen Guzmán, Owner, Bestola Consulting, Morgan Collier, EVP, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and Michelle Medina, Owner, Nora Events
You are the company you keep. Celebrating Women’s History Month is about celebrating the positive influences in our lives who help make us better and who genuinely support us.
Women’s History Month event ideas for work could look like starting a mentorship program, initiating networking opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, bringing in influential leaders to speak on topics like success and personal growth, and more.
Leverage Your Emotions
Emotional intelligence is a critical component of professional success. Studies show that not only is the demand for emotionally intelligent leaders growing, but that emotionally intelligent employees are better performers, make more money and are stronger team leaders.
Emotions in the workplace aren’t bad. Women can use their emotions to be stronger communicators, express needs and feedback constructively and boost productivity. As a leader, helping your employees understand emotional intelligence, educating them on communication tactics and empowering them to lean into their emotions is a meaningful way to celebrate Women’s History Month and help up-and-coming business leaders shine.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
As a business leader, whether you encourage personal reflection or promote team activities, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate Women’s History Month. Remembering the legacies of the women who came before us, honoring those who help us today, and practicing healthy habits are steps we can all take to acknowledge Women’s History Month and work toward becoming better individuals and professionals.
From guiding workplace conversations on Women’s History Month to other team development tactics, Bestola Consulting is here to help. Connect with us today to get started.
