Women and workplace equality -- we have been talking about this issue for decades and still have not witnessed a truly equal setting. Here are four ways employers can grow their pipeline of female workers. Nancy Mellard, is the National Leader of CBIZ Women’s Advantage (CWA)- a program that directs the development of women professionals through focused leadership, mentoring and networking programs. She also serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at CBIZ Employee Services. She is dedicated to"women helping women succeed in business.” www.cbiz.com

1. READ ON
4 Ways Employers Can
Grow Their Pipeline of
Female Workers
Women in Business

2. Time for us to look
down the ladder
Women and workplace equality -- we have been
talking about this issues for decades and still have
not witnessed a truly equal setting. Too many
businesses are focused on the "top" -- who is
running the firm and who has a seat at the
boardroom table. We can't forget the middle
managers, who ultimately are the future of the C-
suite.
Employers should consider these steps for
building a better pipeline of women...

3. Be thoughtful and conscious in the recruiting process.
Recruitment and retention are things that employers and hiring managers do deliberately,
so intentionally make female candidates a focus for both hiring and
professional development opportunities.
Step #1
Now
Hiring

4. Step #2
A firm's culture is the fabric of their board. It will take the power
of those in leadership to finally make a change in gender equality.
As the leader, ensure your board is clear that your
culture includes this parity.
Be clear on your
company's
culture

5. Step#3
What do your managers need? Those in the middle ranks can be passed over when it
comes to assistance ­­they are no longer subordinate staff,
so they don't need feedback or guidance, right?
Wrong. This group is the future and likely the real workforce pushing your company
forward. Be interested and invested in their needs.
of needs
Be Supportive

6. Look into the negative
Something must be preventing gender
equality, so focus on what that is.
Looking into the negative is the only way
to get the positive -- this may be the
mindset we are missing.
Step #4

7. National Leader of the CBIZ Women's
Advantage, a program that directs the
development of women professionals
through focused leadership, mentoring and
networking programs.
Executive Vice President and General
Counsel at CBIZ Employee Services
25+ years of legal, licensing and compliance
experience in the insurance industry.
Contributing author to the CBIZ Human
Capitalizing Blog www.blog.cbiz.com
Follow me on Twitter @NancyMellard
Nancy Mellard
www.cbiz.com