Fidelity Investments, a $5 trillion investment giant, is taking important steps to support women in their careers, especially during challenging life transitions like starting a new job, becoming a mother, or navigating menopause. According to Sangeeta Moorjani, head of tax-exempt market and lifetime engagement at Fidelity, addressing burnout and fostering a sense of belonging are crucial for retention and advancement.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Moorjani emphasized the need for open forums where women can connect and support each other, regardless of their life stage. This approach not only helps women feel valued but also creates an equal platform for sharing experiences. Linda Livingstone, president of Baylor University, echoed this sentiment by discussing their initiative to support female faculty. They’ve launched a writing colloquium that brings women from different disciplines together to write and share resources, helping many participants succeed in achieving tenure.
The Role of Employee Resource Groups
Grace Zuncic, chief people and impact officer at Cotopaxi, highlighted the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in creating a supportive workplace culture. ERGs can be especially beneficial for women of color, providing them with a community where they can thrive. Zuncic shared her experience in manufacturing, where her ERG celebrated Women’s Month by highlighting women’s contributions to the company.
Essential Benefits for Women
Organizations are also implementing benefits that cater specifically to women. For instance, Baylor is adding menopause resources to its health benefits to support women during this critical phase. Fidelity is focusing on flexibility and mental health support, recognizing that women often bear caregiving responsibilities alongside their careers.
Moorjani noted that women typically spend more on healthcare than men, making health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts essential. By addressing these challenges, companies can help women advance in their careers and eventually empower other women to take on leadership roles.
Take Charge of Your Career
Livingstone shared her personal story of making herself visible early in her academic career. As a former college basketball player, she participated in a faculty free throw contest and won, which helped her gain recognition on campus. This visibility opened doors for her, including a position on a popular athletic committee typically reserved for more experienced faculty.
Conclusion
Fidelity and other organizations are setting a new standard by prioritizing women’s needs in the workplace. By fostering support networks, implementing essential benefits, and encouraging visibility, they are paving the way for more women to rise into leadership positions.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
With 2 years of experience in the financial sector, Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Investor Welcome. As an accomplished author and investment specialist, Aparna has a passion for demystifying complex financial concepts and empowering investors with actionable strategies. She has been featured in relevant publications, if any, and is dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based analysis that helps clients make informed investment decisions. Aparna holds a relevant degree or certification and is committed to staying ahead of market trends to deliver the most up-to-date advice.
