Let’s Go, Girls!

https://youtu.be/ZJL4UGSbeFg

March is Women’s History Month!  I am taking this opportunity to reflect on all of the amazing women in my life who have helped shape me. 

There are some powerful female forces in my family.  First, my grandmother who is tenacious.  Many years ago, she decided she no longer wanted a wall in her house to be there.  So she got a hammer and a few hours later, the wall was gone.  At 86 years of age, she is still a spit fire and a great example of strength.  She is currently serving as the resident spokeswoman of her retirement community.  Then there’s my mom who taught me to kick ass while maintaining class and grace (sneakers and tiaras go together!)  And my sister who is half of an interracial couple and speaks loudly against the discrimination felt by many women in her same situation.  They are a wonderful group of women, and I am blessed to be related. 

I am also reflecting on women’s place in the HR industry.  As a profession, we are heavily dominated by females.  And I love it.  But we as women are also suffering from real issues in the workplace, such as pay inequity and underrepresentation in leadership.  I don’t love any of that.  So, what can we do?

Ladies, first and foremost, we have to advocate for ourselves.  A few years ago, a dear friend and fellow HR pro was being promoted to the CHRO role in her organization.  She knew how much her 2 previous predecessors had made in salary; however, she was hesitant to ask for an equal rate.  We talked it out.  I told her she had to request an equitable salary for the promotion, and that she should not feel bad about doing so.  And why?  Because of her daughter.  And my daughters.  And for all of the hardworking women out there fighting the good fight every day.  I told her this wasn’t about her; it was about the future of women in work.  The sad reality is that women are notorious for undervaluing themselves in the workplace.  Data shows that we tend to not apply for positions unless we feel we are 100% qualified and we fail to negotiate pay effectively.  If we have any chance of improving the world of work for all women, we in HR have to show up for ourselves first.  Get paid.  Don’t settle. 

A huge ‘thank you’ to the many #HRAwesome women who are making work great! 

If you are in HR and you need awesome fellow pros to connect with, please reach out to me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-engler/) or Twitter (@christie_engler) and I will introduce you to an entire community (including many fabulous women!) 

Have you read ‘People Fusion’ yet?!?  https://christieengler.home.blog/buy-people-fusion/ A portion of the proceeds goes to organizations supporting the autism community.