Women today are stepping up to claim their rightful place in the workforce. They are entering corporate settings, male-dominated industries, and advocacy-driven organizations. However, despite their growing presence, women still face many challenges. These obstacles can hinder their career growth and opportunities.

A study on the Philippines’ labor market and gender equality reveals a lower Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women than men. As a result, female labor remains underutilized in the paid workforce. Additionally, women have fewer opportunities to secure well-paying jobs.

With this in mind, companies, especially hiring managers, must take action. They can implement strategies to motivate working women and create a more inclusive work environment. By addressing key constraints, businesses can initiate ways on how to motivate working women in today’s generation.

Constraints Faced by Working Women

1. Less Available Work

Women often struggle to find job opportunities. Traditional gender roles and societal biases limit their access to well-paying positions. Many industries still favor male employees, making it harder for women to secure stable jobs.

2. Unpaid Work

Household and caregiving responsibilities fall disproportionately on women. This limits their ability to take on full-time or demanding roles. As a result, many women experience career gaps and slower professional growth.

3. Limited Access to Resources

Women in the workplace often lack networking opportunities and financial support. Without these essential resources, climbing the career ladder becomes even more challenging.

4. Family Responsibilities

Many working women juggle professional commitments with family duties. However, without proper workplace support, balancing both roles can be exhausting. The lack of childcare services, flexible schedules, and parental leave makes career progression difficult.

5. Lack of Access to Reproductive Health Services

Healthcare is crucial for women’s career success. Limited access to reproductive health services and maternity benefits affects their well-being. Without proper support, women may struggle to perform at their best.

Tips for Hiring Managers on How to Motivate Working Women

1. Establish Policies on Gender Equality

Companies should develop structured frameworks for gender equality. It is essential to address challenges such as unpaid domestic work and caregiving responsibilities. In addition to this, gender-inclusive policies create a fair workplace. They also help companies retain talented female employees.

2. Provide Training Opportunities

Training programs enhance women’s skills and career prospects. Companies should encourage women to enrol in training programs to stay competitive. Leveraging Active Labor Market Supports, such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, can help. Continuous learning allows women to bridge career gaps and excel in the job market.

3. Audit Workplace Culture

A positive workplace culture plays a key role in career development. Hiring managers should assess their company’s culture by asking important questions:

• Do we train department managers on diversity and inclusion?
• Do we track the number of women in leadership roles?
• Does our management support women-focused initiatives, such as International Women’s Month programs?
• Do we promote work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements?

By identifying gaps, companies can improve their culture. This ensures they promote the best jobs for women in an equitable work environment.

4. Improve Leave Benefits

Women face unique challenges, including pregnancy, health concerns, and stress from domestic violence. Companies should enhance leave policies to accommodate these needs. 

For instance, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC Act) – Republic Act No. 9262 in the Philippines protects women from domestic violence. Companies should align their leave benefits with this law to support affected employees.

5. Improve the Onboarding Experience

A smooth hiring process boosts confidence in women candidates. During interviews, hiring managers should ensure career gaps do not become obstacles. Instead, companies should streamline recruitment through trusted job platforms like Bossjob.

Stronger Workplaces Start with Empowered Women

To create workplace equality, organizations must take action. Implementing gender-inclusive policies, improving workplace culture, and providing career growth opportunities are essential. Overall, understanding how to motivate working women benefits both companies and employees.Moreover, Bossjob, a leading job platform, champions inclusive work opportunities. Connecting employers with qualified female candidates breaks barriers and helps women build meaningful careers.