"^Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back." This quote by the renowned author and feminist Gloria Steinem rings true for so many women in the workforce. 

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in the workplace. Women have been shattering glass ceilings and breaking barriers for decades, proving that they belong in every industry and every role. However, we must also empower women to succeed in their careers by providing them with the tools and resources they need. 

In this article, we'll explore strategies for celebrating and empowering women in the workplace, promoting gender equality, and encouraging women to pursue their passions.

Celebrating Her Story

Women have been making strides in the workforce, and it's essential to celebrate their contributions. Women's achievements in the workplace should be noticed. They bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, making them invaluable assets to any organisation. In addition, recognising women's achievements can boost morale, increase engagement, and motivate other women to strive for success.

Here are a few ways companies can recognise and celebrate women in the workplace:

• Raising a Glass: A celebration event that recognises and appreciates women in the workforce is an excellent way to show appreciation. This event could include keynote speeches, award ceremonies, or a simple get-together.

• Celebrating Success: Women deserve recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. Recognise their achievements through newsletters, company-wide emails, and social media posts.

• Leading Ladies: Showcasing the achievements of women in your company is an excellent way to recognise their contributions. You could feature them in your company newsletter or website and share their success stories.

Recognising and celebrating women's achievements in the workplace is not just good for morale; it's also good for business. It promotes a positive work culture, encourages diversity, and attracts more talented women to your company.

"Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength." - G.D. Anderson

Breaking the Mold

What if women were given the tools and resources needed to succeed in their careers? Imagine the endless possibilities and the positive impact it could have on both the women themselves and the companies they work for. Empowering women is crucial to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Here are some strategies for empowering women:

• Mentorship programs: Mentorship programs provide women with an opportunity to learn from other successful women in their industry. Mentors can provide advice, guidance, and support for women navigating their careers. These programs can also help women build relationships and expand their professional network.

• Career development workshops: Career development workshops can help women develop new skills and hone existing ones. These workshops can also help women learn about career paths they may not have considered before, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges.

• Flexible work arrangements: Women often face unique challenges, such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help women balance their work and personal lives. In addition, providing these options can help women feel supported and valued by their employers.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for women. Women who feel empowered are more likely to succeed in their careers and contribute to their company's success. When companies invest in their female workforce, they are investing in the future of their organisation.

The Future is Equal

Did you know that women make up 47% of the global workforce yet earn only 77 cents for every dollar men earn? This gender pay gap is just one of the many ways gender inequality manifests itself in the workplace. However, promoting gender equality isn't just about closing the pay gap; it's about creating an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

To promote gender equality in the workplace, companies can take the following steps:

• Conduct a Pay Equity Audit: It's essential to ensure that men and women are being paid equally for the same job. Companies can conduct a pay equity audit to identify any pay gaps and take corrective action.

• Provide Unconscious Bias Training: Unconscious bias can impact hiring and promotion decisions, leading to gender disparities. Providing unconscious bias training through corporate wellness programs can help participants recognise and address their preferences.

• Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Women often bear the brunt of family responsibilities, making it challenging to balance work and home life. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help women manage their responsibilities while still being productive at work.

• Create a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment: Women are more likely to experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Companies can create a safe and inclusive work environment by implementing zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination.

• Promote Women to Leadership Roles: Having women in leadership roles can help promote gender equality in the workplace. Companies can encourage women to leadership roles and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

By promoting gender equality in the workplace, companies can reap the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Gender diversity has been shown to increase innovation, productivity, and profitability. So it's not just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do.

Together We Can

International Women's Day is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in achieving gender equality in the workplace. However, it's also an opportunity to celebrate women's incredible achievements and acknowledge their important role in every industry.

At The Wellness Tribe, we believe celebrating and empowering women in the workplace is crucial for creating a healthy and productive work environment. We provide customised wellness solutions that can help companies promote gender equality and celebrate the achievements of their female co-workers. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you celebrate International Women's Day in your workplace. Together, we can build a better, more inclusive world for everyone.

^During these times of wars, illnesses, crimes, economic turmoil, and all the bad things happening around the world, it can be hard to regulate our worry and stop dwelling on worst-case scenarios.

This is where mindfulness meditation may be most beneficial. What is mindfulness, what are its advantages, and how can we incorporate it into our everyday lives?

‍Mindfulness: What Does It Mean?

Mindfulness refers to focusing on the current moment without judgement. Our innate human capacity to be completely present without being overreactive or overwhelmed is known as mindfulness. When we practise mindfulness, we return our attention back to the present moment, enabling us to regulate our thoughts rather than the other way around.

Mindfulness is also the polar opposite of spending life on autopilot, which most do without even recognising. How can you know if you're in autopilot mode?

Do you find yourself ticking off task after task without taking a break? Do you often contemplate when doing something as simple as assisting your kid with homework? 

If you answered yes, it's time to embrace mindfulness. Pause for a minute. Take note of your child's giggles.

‍Find Your Peace in the Midst of the Turmoil and Enjoy Benefits Such As:

‍Improved Emotional Stability

Studies, as well as our experts, suggest that attentive people manage stress better and avoid harmful coping mechanisms. They are aware of their own feelings as well as the emotions of others. Therefore, they approach events calmly and cope effectively with unexpected circumstances, ultimately leading a happy healthy life than those who don’t practice mindfulness.

According to research, those who practise mindfulness better manage anxiety caused by diseases, making it more relevant in our daily lives.

‍Better Professional Performance

Mindful meditation enables us to concentrate on one task at a time, reducing our tendency to get distracted. It also increases creativity by removing negative thoughts that stifle creative thinking.

Practising mindfulness helps us concentrate on the present and allows for better ideation, clear communication, and active listening —- all of which are valuable qualities to have a perfect work life balance.

‍Better Interpersonal Relationships

Mindfulness practice helps us create better ways of interacting with others. It teaches us to avoid emotional responses and approach every interaction with empathy and patience – something we could all use right now.

Overall, mindfulness is related to increased regard for people and their feelings, making it simpler for us to change our actions to better our relationships. This is especially true when it comes to having wellbeing at workplace as we start to deal with every situation mindfully. 

In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity." - Albert Einstein

‍Here’s How to Get Started With a Mindfulness Practice

‍Set Your Intention for the Day:

Mornings are ideal for this, but if you can't, choose a time that works best for you throughout the day. Simply take these few steps:

• Sit up straight with your spine relaxed, not stiff.
• Take three slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Consider your day's schedule and ask yourself what your purpose is.
• Respond to the question and state your objective, which may include being kinder to yourself, eating well, getting certain tasks done, and so on.
• Check-in with yourself throughout the day to make sure you're on track.

It is important to take frequent breaks while working since sitting continuously can be harmful to your health.

‍Pay Attention to the Sound:

When you are feeling nervous or upset, focusing your attention on the noises around you may be relaxing and centering practice. You just need to complete the following activities:

• For a minute, sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
• Focus on the sounds around you and identify them. For example, the clock ticking, the fan whirring, and the leaves rustling. 

After one minute, take some time to notice how relaxed and present you feel. Do this every day to enhance your general mental health.

‍Get Some Stretches In:

Need a quick boost when working from home? You may do the following as long as your chair has a back:

• Put your left hand on your right knee.
• Place your right arm on the chair's back.
• Stretch gently.
• Take note of the stretch; after 60 seconds, return your body to its original position.
• Repeat on the opposite side.

‍Eat Mindfully:

Eat what you really want to eat, and don't rush through your lunch breaks. Take your time enjoying it. Be sure to pay attention to:

• The different textures in your food
• The time and effort put into putting it together
• The explosion of flavours in your mouth

‍Dive Deep Inside Your Body:

It's easier than it seems. Close your eyes and:

• Take note of any areas of your body where you experience tension; it might manifest as an ache or a tightness.
• Bring your focus to a point in your body where you are not stressed.
• Concentrate on the lack of tension as well as body sensations such as a steady pulse and a relaxed jaw.
• Keep your attention on this for 10 seconds.
• Consider that feeling extending throughout your body for another 10 seconds.
• Return your focus to the initial source of tension in your body.
• Focus on the difference if it feels different.
• Repeat this practice many times, noting where and when the tension has eased so that the sensation might extend to the rest of your body.

‍Final Thoughts

You don't have to practise every single mindfulness method to feel better and more present. Experiment with various routines and strategies to see what works best for you and your schedule. After that, practise, practise, practise. We're going through a difficult period, but we'll emerge stronger.

Allow yourself to breathe, take a break, and be appreciative of the current moment in the meanwhile – it's the best any of us can do.