2019 Aug Articles Archives

Tackling the Glass Ceiling

What do we mean when we talk about the “glass ceiling”? The term is a metaphor for the invisible barriers that prevent many women from advancing up the corporate ladder, especially into management and executive positions. While the professional world has seen a lot of progress in recent years, the glass ceiling still represents a major obstacle to many women in the workplace.

Here are some tips for women looking to advance in their careers, improve their confidence, and break through the barriers to achievement in the workplace.

Advocate for Yourself

While women are often good at negotiating on behalf of others, many don’t do the same for themselves. Women typically don’t ask for “more”, be it pay or perks. It’s important for women to know their worth and negotiate for better compensation.

First, know your facts. Research the average pay of your position and make sure you are earning what your job is worth, and what you are worth. This will help you to go into any salary discussion feeling well-prepared.

It also pays to think beyond salary and look at other perks that may be fitting for your position. These might include travel allowances, medical benefits or the option of flexible working.

Balance your Skillset

It’s vital to focus on building a balance of “hard skills” (finance, analytics, technical skills, strategy, etc.) and “soft skills” (communication, attitude, time management, teamwork, etc.). As a woman, don’t resist getting to grips with the more “technical” aspects of the job.

Make Yourself Heard

Many women choose not to speak out, for fear of appearing disagreeable. However, leadership and management positions require confidence and the willingness to make yourself heard. Don’t shy away from speaking and presentation opportunities when they present themselves.

Conflict is uncomfortable, and we all prefer to avoid it. However, many women are skilled communicators and mediators, which means that speaking up can often lead teams to a better place than keeping quiet and avoiding a discussion altogether. Be respectful and professional in the way you communicate, but don’t be afraid to assert yourself.

Pace Yourself

Don’t try to do too much all at once; a career takes time to build. Clearly define what your priorities are, and what achievements you want to work towards. Set a realistic timeline for yourself to work within. Remember, an effective goal should be a SMART goal – that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

It’s common for fear of failure to hold people back from pursuing their professional dreams. After you set your goals, it’s okay to start small, as long as you’re headed in the right direction. Smashing the glass ceiling might not happen overnight, but with the right skills and attitude, it can be done!

Sources:

Six Hard Truths for Women regarding the Glass Ceiling. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2018/08/25/six-6-hard-truths-for-women-regarding-that-glass-ceiling/#456d8985427f

Women’s Health at Every Stage of Life

No matter how old you are, it’s important to make your mental and physical health top priorities. These women’s health tips will help to guide you through some key points you should be considering at each stage of your life.

In Your 20s

Look after your skin. Avoid direct sun exposure during the most high-risk times (between 10am and 4pm), and always apply sunblock before going out in the sun. This will prevent sun damage and premature ageing. Say no to tanning beds, which can dramatically increase your odds of developing melanoma.

Take care of your reproductive health. Get a pap smear and HPV test every 3 to 5 years until the age of 65. If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and get screened for common sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) regularly.

Perform self-checks on your breasts regularly, to check for lumps and other irregularities.

Start supplementing the following essential nutrients: calcium, magnesium and vitamin D to support bone health, and iron to prevent anaemia.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, a folic acid supplement is important to keep you and your growing baby healthy.

In Your 30s

Most women start to lose muscle mass and bone density after age 30. Strength training exercises (i.e. lifting weights) can help to prevent muscle loss and build healthy bone density. Don’t forget to keep supplementing bone-building nutrients like calcium.

Look after your mental health. Juggling multiple responsibilities typically increases stress levels, and it’s important to make time to relax and unwind, to prevent chronic stress.

In Your 40s

Women aged 40 to 44 should start getting annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms.

As you get older, your metabolism will slow down, and this makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. To prevent unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, stay active and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Regular exercise and smart food choices will also benefit your bones and your heart.

In Your 50s and Beyond

Many women enter menopause during this stage of life, so speak to your doctor about the best ways to manage the symptoms of menopause.

Women aged 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years, instead of annually.

It’s important to have screening tests for colorectal cancer between the ages of 50 and 75.

Smokers and those who have quit smoking in the past 15 years should also get screened for lung cancer between the ages of 55 and 80.

Women aged 60 or older may need to get a shot to prevent shingles and one to prevent pneumonia.

Women aged 65 (and younger women with a high risk of bone fractures) should be screened for osteoporosis.

At Every Age

Get your annual physical check-up every year, to make sure you are healthy and catch any potential problems early.

Women’s health needs change and evolve with age, so speak to your health care provider to make sure you’re getting the right support.

Sources:

Women’s Health Topics You Should Know about at Each Stage of Life. Retrieved from: https://www.crispregional.org/womens-health-topics-you-should-know-about-at-each-stage-of-life/

American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html