Rachael Flanagan wants to smash one of the oldest office stereotypes.
“The era when people were bent over mops is long gone,” stated the founder of Mrs Buckét, the cleaning firm she launched following her failure in the business A-Level examination.
His team consists mostly of females, and he aims to assist in eliminating the obstacles faced by women in other work environments.
The business advocacy organization CBI Cymru discovered that discrimination and unconscious biases hindered women’s progress into leadership positions. They also noted that increased accessibility to affordable childcare could significantly improve women’s career opportunities.
The CBI stated that enabling more women to reach their full potential and take up leadership positions could significantly influence the Welsh economy.
For Ms Flanagan, from Swansea, it means empowering and supporting women who might suffer from “imposter syndrome” and who lack the confidence to put themselves forward for senior roles.
I’ve had managers who have collaborated with me, and we’ve had multiple side conversations where they would tell me ‘you can truly accomplish this.’
She mentioned that the men working in the office should also be included in shifting their mindset.
She stated, ‘It shouldn’t be the responsibility of women to overcome all these various obstacles.’
The men in the room ought to recognize that they are limiting their own chances, and that there’s an aspect of workplace culture that makes it tough for women.
By the age of 37, Ms. Flanagan has established a company that employs over 400 individuals in South Wales. She utilizes cutting-edge technology for cleaning offices, schools, and specialized locations.
This isn’t your typical part-time, low-paid janitorial job where women in uniforms usually wipe dust from desks.
Ms. Flanagan mentioned that several of her most insightful advisors were males; however, she frequently found herself as the sole female among numerous male CEOs and business entrepreneurs in various meetings.
When enhancing opportunities for women, the cultural shift begins in her own workplace through flexible work arrangements and confidence in her team members who can finish their tasks and also manage the school runs.
“Many employers actually offer flexible work schedules,” Ms Flanagan stated.
Her suggestion is: “Join those companies where you can thrive.”
Having young kids doesn’t prevent you from advancing in your professional life too.
The research conducted by CBI Cymru along with the University of South Wales brought attention to the challenges encountered by women aspiring to take up leadership roles.
We can’t ignore the advancements that have occurred,” stated Asha Musoni, the CBI’s chief people officer. “However, structural and institutional barriers as well as cultural obstacles continue to persist.
Specific obstacles include flexibility in work arrangements, availability of suitable child care, workplace gender biases, limited mentoring opportunities, and inadequate support for working fathers.
Some of the data laid bare the disparity between the experiences of men and women in the workplace.
Only 11% of men, compared with 48% of women, believed they were passed over for opportunities due to their gender
“When considering instances where they reach these higher positions, 44% of women believe that they are assigned unfair responsibilities,” Ms Musoni stated.
“Even when we provide people with opportunities, failing to allow them the necessary space and chance to thrive highlights an issue we need to address and consider ways to solve,” she said additionally.
Rachael Flanagan stated that one of the key motivators for women to aim for leadership positions is observing the achievements of their peers.
“If visibility leads to possibility,” she remarked.
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