Women in ASHRAE
April 22, 2021
Recently, our own Catherine Tinkler presented at a virtual roundtable hosted by Women In ASHRAE, titled “ABC’s for Women in the Workplace: Adapt, Blossom, Claim.” The focus of the seminar was to encourage taking a proactive stance both in personal and professional lives, specifically with an effort to adapt to changing work environments, blossom in the role you are in, and claim successes that you presented.
Catherine says she chose these words for a purpose.
Adapt - “I need to find balance in this crazy work-from-home world.”
Blossom - “I want to broaden my reach professionally.”
Claim - “I want to play ‘catch-up’ from my previous career path decision… and finish strong.”
This idea is originally from the Lean In Foundation, which is dedicated to “offering women the ongoing inspiration and support to help them achieve their goals.” By examining female leadership, diversity, and management in corporations across the United States, LeanIn strives to change the conversation and support women’s communities, education, and experiences.
In 2021, LeanIn conducted a survey in an attempt to understand the challenges faced by women (working mothers, senior-level women, and Black women specifically) in the workforce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender diversity is a continuing uphill battle, and without some changes companies could stand to lose progress that was previously made. Read the report for a framework for taking action.
Catherine highlighted findings from the study throughout her discussion, including the thoughts that “Many feel like they’re ‘always on’ and boundaries have been blurred between work and home. With worries about financial and family health, the burnout is real!” Women have been more likely to have been laid-off or furloughed, with careers stalling and financial security becoming jeopardized. Working mothers have experienced intensified challenges, working a “double-shift” and balancing school and childcare disruptions. “The result is that 1 in 4 women are thinking about downshifting their careers or even leaving the workforce. 1 in 3 mothers may be forced to scale back or opt out completely.”
Here at FOS, we recognize that this crisis also represents an opportunity. We’re committed to building and maintaining a flexible and empathetic workplace while creating more opportunities for women to succeed. We pride ourselves on having a collaborative culture. Our team is small, but mighty, and we strive to support each and every member of our team. Whether that be through navigating varying career paths, like Catherine’s, or encouraging a healthy work-life balance, FOS is here for our “family”. Don’t just take our word for it - see why FOS was voted a Best Places To Work and learn more about joining our team.