What if the key to retaining women has nothing to do with women - and everything to do with how your organisation actually works?

Joy shares insights from her landmark Why Women Leave study of 4,000 women, revealing that the top reasons - culture, career progression, line management and workload – aren't gender-specific at all. Her research with FTSE 350 organisations uncovered something fascinating: success wasn't about what organisations were doing, but who was doing it, how, when and why. 

Joy explores how inclusion leaders navigate global turbulence through three shifts: changing language from diversity to belonging, embedding equity as a golden thread through business strategy, and maintaining compliance focus. 

Looking ahead, Joy shares a powerful two-minute exercise: have someone talk whilst you visibly don't listen, then start again, and this time genuinely engage. The difference is transformative. Her wish is simple: practise the listening exercise and share it.

References:

Why Women Leave research report (2023) - Encompass Equality

FTSE 350 research report (conducted with FTSE Women Leaders Review and Chartered Management Institute) - Available at Encompass Equality

The Equality Conversation - Podcast

Don't Fix Women: The practical path to gender equality at work: By Joy Burnford

What actually drives progress for women in leadership?

Encompass Equality's latest research

Thank you to Encompass Equality for sponsoring this episode.

Encompass is dedicated to creating better workplaces for women and building cultures where everyone benefits.

Powered by industry-leading research into women's lived experiences at work, Encompass turns real insight into targeted interventions that improve how people work together. Their latest research, conducted with the FTSE Women Leaders Review and Chartered Management Institute, reveals what actually works and how to make change happen in your organisation.

Download your free report from Encompass Equality

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Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work?  

We’re easing into February with Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker as our Book of the Month – a fascinating guide to understanding the power of rest and the profound impact sleep has on our health, mood, and performance.

Walker draws on decades of research to show why sleep is essential for our body, mind, and wellbeing – a gentle reminder to prioritise rest after a dark and tiring January. It’s a perfect read for nurturing yourself and reclaiming energy for both your personal and professional life.

Let this month’s book inspire you to make self-care a priority, because even small changes to our sleep habits can transform the way we feel, think, and show up each day.

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book.