Health and Safety Recruitment
The roles that women have performed in the workplace have changed a great deal in the last 20 years, starting with the percentage of women making up the workforce. Those numbers have increased, despite the challenges of inequality, wage gaps and glass ceilings that women have been forced to endure over time.
In years past, these challenges were tolerated out of socioeconomic need, as a means of support, despite how little they earned and how oppressed their growth was. Women faced the challenge head on, and because of the path they laid back then, women in the workforce are winning more today.
Women are taking on more diverse roles, and have prospered regardless of the obstacles. But one area that could stand a stronger presence is the field of health and safety. Why is there a need for more women in health and safety roles? Because the industry has called for it, veterans and newcomers alike.
For a long time, women have struggled to be heard and treated fairly in this occupation. They have been demeaned by their peers and not respected by their employees, based solely on their gender. Being told to have a sense of humour about it, while they endure the trials of the job, has steered potential stars away from progressing. It has become a rarity to see a woman in a leadership role in this industry.
So, many women have described how they must grow a “thick skin” and a “toughen up” attitude just to be accepted. Through persistence, education, and knowing that the jobs they have taken on have had a powerful, positive impact on the lives of many people, they found a driving force to succeed. Women need more leadership roles in this industry to continue making that impact, and to show the world that this sector of the workforce demands respect.
Studies have shown that 70 percent of women who currently hold positions in occupational safety and health leadership roles started out in areas completely outside the realm of safety and health, due in part to the fact that the health and safety positions they sought were designed to scare women off by the men who preceded them.
Support and Networking
Through many interviews and studies, there is a consistent reckoning that successful women are preaching to the up-and-comers, “find a mentor,” and to the current leaders, “be a mentor.” Working with associations to network with other professionals is a must. And those who have achieved success must pass that knowledge on to others. Those who seek this occupation as a future must attach themselves to an established professional and be open to learning from the uphill battles their predecessors have endured.
Although the challenges from years past have diminished somewhat, there are still far too many out there. Only by growing this field with serious professionals dedicated to making a difference can the culture make the positive turn it needs. In a study from Safety and Health Magazine in September 2016, Rose McMurray stated, “It’s a great profession. We need the next generation worrying about others and seeing their commitment to others, a way to make them safer.”
This community can only be successful by learning from the negative attitudes they have faced, and developing the positive ones that helped them become established. The encouragement from these women who lead in this industry has impacted many women who, without it, may have chosen not to go into this field, and that would have eliminated the positive impact they have had.
The consensus is clear: working with outreach programmes, networking and mentoring creates the support the next generation needs to carry the torch and become successful. To help promote this career avenue, there are many communities worth exploring. Most importantly, if you have found success, give back to others; if you seek success, do not hold back, reach out and find a mentor.
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