^With the fear of an impending recession, hiring freezes, and mass layoffs, many team leaders are experiencing great stress and uncertainty at work right now. Employees want to know whether their job is secure, what they should be doing, and what the future holds.

In times like this, it may be incredibly difficult for managers to build trust in their teams. What information should one provide, and how much of it should one share? How can you be open about the company's problems without discouraging your employees? How can you establish trust in your team and improve reliability at work.

Here are some 5 simple tips for assisting your team through times of uncertainty:

Be Open and Honest

While you must be careful with the information you offer, it is critical that you be as explicit and honest as possible. Be candid about the reality that no one, including you, can completely predict what lies ahead, but that you do know the company is doing all it can to provide a solid foundation for the future. 

Make it apparent that the corporation wants you to share what you know by using phrases like "I shouldn't be telling you this" or "don't discuss this with anybody, but..." In order to avoid instilling secrecy and suspicion, make an explicit effort to emphasize that the information you are delivering is coming straight from leadership.

Assume Responsibility

When an unfortunate event occurs, be sure to accept responsibility as their leader.

As a leader, you must accept responsibility for the welfare of your team, even if it is not your fault directly. As you take responsibility for your good and bad actions, your team will start to trust you.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

Be Confident and Enthusiastic

Your actions and attitude as a manager may significantly impact your staff. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate confidence in your leadership skills. While things are unpredictable and no one knows everything, you should emphasize what you do know and how you can best position the team to go ahead efficiently. 

Keep a positive attitude and acknowledge your team's efforts at all times. Language such as "we've got this" and "I'm so pleased with all the effort our team has made is an excellent method to foster togetherness and optimism.

Provide Emotional Support

During times of uncertainty, stress and burnout are understandable. Take the time to check in with your team members regularly. Begin your weekly meetings by asking how your staff are doing and if there is anything you can do to help. 

Pay close attention to what they are saying and asking so you can follow up later. As a manager, it is critical to consider your employees' viewpoints and to evaluate what you would like to hear if you were in their shoes. If you feel your team members are not comfortable sharing their problems invest in some corporate wellness program so they can take help from 

Invest in Your Employees.

Workplaces that foster high levels of trust promote holistic development and employee wellbeing. Talent is developed within the organization through a development attitude, which stresses both professional and personal growth opportunities for managers and direct reports. 

Organizations that invest in their employees are more likely to retain talent and improve engagement. This includes employee wellness initiatives, financial well-being programs, and fun wellness activities. 

Closing Thoughts

Teams flourish when members trust each other to deliver and match their contributions with quality and excitement. When there is trust at work, everyone always relies on one another to provide consistent efforts and solid outcomes.

^Imagine a world where gender equality isn’t an annual topic of discussion but an ingrained reality.

Where women no longer have to fight for fair wages, leadership positions, or the basic right to live free from discrimination.

While that world still seems like a work in progress, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a powerful reminder of the journey toward gender equality—one that has been marked by struggle, resistance, and undeniable progress.

But how did this global celebration come to be? What does it truly represent? And what are some lesser-known facts that make this day so impactful?

Let’s break it down.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

The mass meeting at Rutgers Square during the shirt strike of 1909-1910. Collection: Photographs of the International Garment Workers Union.

It wasn’t social media campaigns or corporations rushing to put pink logos on their websites that gave birth to International Women’s Day.

The roots of IWD trace back over a century, to a time when women were fighting for fundamental rights like voting, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

The first sparks of IWD can be found in 1908, New York, when 15,000 women marched through the city demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. This powerful demonstration became a pivotal moment in the women’s rights movement.

A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day, celebrated across the United States on February 28.

But the movement didn’t stop there. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day to advocate for women's rights. She envisioned a day when women around the world could unite for the same cause, regardless of nationality.

Her idea gained unanimous approval, and in 1911, International Women’s Day was officially observed for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people participated in rallies advocating for women’s rights, demanding gender equality in voting, work, and education.

By 1917, Russian women played a critical role in further popularizing the movement. On March 8, they organized a massive strike for "bread and peace," protesting against war and oppression. The movement gained momentum, and the Russian government granted women the right to vote shortly after.

March 8 soon became the universally recognized date for IWD, solidified when the United Nations officially adopted the celebration in 1975—marking the beginning of an era where governments and organizations worldwide took responsibility for advancing gender equality.

What Does International Women’s Day Stand for Today?

Fast forward to 2025, and IWD has transformed into more than just a day of reflection.

It’s a movement.

A call to action.

A global platform for advocating women’s rights, amplifying voices, and challenging the status quo.

Today, IWD serves several purposes, including:

• Recognizing women’s achievements in various fields, from science and business to activism and sports.
• Raising awareness about gender inequality, wage gaps, violence against women, and lack of representation in leadership.
• Encouraging organizations and governments to implement real, systemic changes that support gender parity.
• Inspiring individuals to take personal and collective action toward a more equal world.

Each year, IWD follows a unique theme to guide discussions and activism. 

The 2025 theme, "Accelerating Change," emphasizes the urgency of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women globally.

Surprising Facts About International Women’s Day That You Probably Didn’t Know

Despite being celebrated worldwide, there are some truly fascinating facts about IWD that many people are unaware of. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

1. IWD Is a Public Holiday in More Than 25 Countries

In many countries, March 8 is a national holiday, meaning businesses, schools, and government offices close to honor the occasion. Nations like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Uganda recognize IWD as an official day off, while others celebrate it with large public events.

2. The Official Color of IWD Is Purple

If you’ve ever wondered why everything turns purple around March 8, it’s because purple has long been associated with justice and dignity.

Historically, it was one of the colors used by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, one of the leading groups in the suffrage movement.

3. The United Nations Has Been Involved Since 1975

Although the movement began in the early 1900s, the UN officially recognized IWD in 1975. Since then, they have played a critical role in setting annual themes and pushing global policies that promote gender equality.

4. Google Celebrates IWD with Special Doodles

Every year, Google releases an International Women’s Day Google Doodle, often highlighting the achievements of women in different industries. 

These illustrations showcase female pioneers in science, literature, art, activism, and more.

5. Some Countries Celebrate Women’s Day Like Mother’s Day

In places like Italy, Serbia, and Albania, IWD is celebrated similarly to Mother’s Day, where women receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts from family members.

6. There’s Still No Country with Complete Gender Equality

Despite the progress made over the past century, no country in the world has achieved full gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, at the current pace, it will take another 135.6 years to close the gender gap completely.

How You Can Celebrate and Support International Women’s Day

Celebrating IWD isn’t just about posting hashtags or sharing inspirational quotes—it’s about taking real action.

Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate and contribute to the movement:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

Choose to shop from women-led brands, startups, and small businesses. Whether it’s fashion, wellness, or tech, supporting female entrepreneurs helps bridge the gender wealth gap.

2. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding the history of IWD, gender inequality statistics, workplace diversity and women’s issues worldwide makes a huge difference. Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend discussions about gender equality.

3. Advocate for Workplace Equality

Whether you’re an employee or employer, advocate for policies that support equal pay, parental leave, and leadership opportunities for women.

4. Donate to Women’s Charities

Organizations like UN Women, Malala Fund, Girls Who Code, and Women for Women International work tirelessly to improve women’s rights globally. Contributing to these causes helps fund education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women in need.

5. Amplify Women’s Voices

Use your platform—whether it’s social media, your workplace, or your community—to highlight and celebrate women’s contributions. Share their stories, credit their work, and uplift their voices.

6. Participate in IWD Events

Many communities, organizations, and universities host panel discussions, networking events, and workshops focused on gender equality. Attending these events or bringing them to your workplace is a great way to engage in meaningful conversations.

What’s Next for Women’s Rights?

While International Women’s Day is a significant milestone each year, it’s just one moment in the broader movement for gender equality.

We’re seeing progress in:

• Female representation in politics (although women still hold just 26.7% of parliamentary seats worldwide).
• Equal pay movements gaining momentum in various industries.
• Increased awareness around workplace harassment and the impact of the #MeToo movement.
• More women breaking into male-dominated fields like STEM, finance, and leadership.

But challenges remain. The gender pay gap persists, women’s reproductive rights are still under attack in some regions, and violence against women continues to be a major global issue.

The only way forward is collective action.