What does inclusion look like for Working Mothers? Diversity is only a part of the story. When we hear about diversity and inclusion, we often hear the dominant conversation around race. Race conversations are very important. I often find missing, conversations around the intersectionality of the identity of which race is a part. There are many layers to our lives as human beings, and understanding the various aspects of how they impact our connection and decisions is also important.
Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberly Crenshaw that explains how our identity’s various aspects give us advantages and disadvantages as we navigate life. As a multicultural woman, raised in The Bahamas, with Nigerian heritage, living in America, there are several layers of my identity that influence how I make decisions and how I am perceived.
With these layers of ethnicity, I speak on the diversity of Blackness and Inclusion among Black cultures, which is the reason I created the Bridge to U: Understanding and Black Unity podcast—to facilitate conversations around understanding various cultures, and others’ lived experiences to foster unity. Facilitating difficult, if not sometimes polarizing conversations when it comes to identity is a skill that must be developed in all businesses and organizations. Having resources that stimulate open dialogue and critical thinking helps employees delve into greater awareness of understanding and collaboration at work.
How can we be inclusive if we are not aware of our colleagues’ historical and present-day experiences?
Inclusion, to me, looks like strengthening self-awareness, setting activism and advocacy goals, and facilitating conversations. I am also a mother and business owner serving many working mothers in my practice as a Communication Skills Expert and Executive Communications coach. We may have all seen the reports about the increasing number of mothers who left the workforce due to increased work-life demands from parenting because of the pandemic, which is alarming not just for mothers but also for the workforce.
I have noticed that many working mothers often feel guilt, shame, and overwhelmed about the societal pressures and demands of parenting and working. They feel as though they are failing and cannot keep up with life’s demands, which is one of the reasons I wrote the book Intentional Motherhood: Who Said It Would Easy. I wrote this book for women to be aware of the communication tools and self-awareness needed to parent from love and not fear truly. Parenting in the conditions we live in naturally increases worry, concern, and fear. When we are afraid of not keeping up, being a failure, losing our jobs, we are in a default space of fear which impacts our parenting. I intend to help working mothers alleviate anxiety and overwhelm by redefining what success looks like, embracing a new Motherhood identity, and setting aside time to embrace conflict with intentional conversations.
These are real-time solutions and strategies designed to help moms succeed.
Leaders and organizations that want to align their cultures to one of inclusivity for working mothers can do so by implementing the following:
- Read blogs about what mothers are experiencing at work. Avoid assuming all mothers are facing the same thing.
- Provide outlets for moms to connect, share resources and strategies that foster inclusion and belonging at work. A problem shared is a problem halved.
- Consider forming a Parent Employee Resource Group. Employee Resource Groups are often formed based on participants’ characteristics and provide belonging, networking and growth opportunities.
- Set an intentional goal to use your voice, influence, and support for moms. For example, encourage the moms on your team to take leave and offer flexible working solutions. Normalize this practice
The world of work as we knew it has changed. Implementing resources and practices that help moms get the most out of their day at work is a win-win strategy for organizational success.
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Monique Russell teaches women leaders and teams how to turn likes into loves in their business and life with effective communication skills and strategies. She is a professional speaker and an inspirational teacher helping professionals embrace conflict, improve productivity, and boost the quality of professional and personal relationships. She is the managing partner of Clear Communication Solutions, LLC, the author of Intentional Motherhood: Who Said it Would be Easy, the Ultimate Speakers Guide, and the host of the Bridge to U: Understanding and Black Unity podcast. Connect with her on LinkedIn @clearcommunicationcoach and visit clearcommunicationsolutions.com to learn more.