What Employers Really Gain When They Invest in Women at Work
In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we’re sharing the eighth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women’s Day.
In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Lucinda Hewitt Coleman, Senior Talent Operations Manager at Oxera, to explore what employers really gain when they invest in women at work.
Drawing on her extensive experience in talent operations and people strategy, Lucinda shares why flexibility, inclusion and career development are not just the right thing to do, but a powerful business advantage. Together, they discuss the realities women continue to navigate at work, the importance of values-led leadership, and how organisations can create environments where everyone can thrive.
What We Cover:
- Why conversations around equity and inclusion still matter
- The confidence gap and hidden challenges women face at work
- The impact of mental load and caregiving responsibilities
- Making flexibility work for both employers and employees
- Building trust, transparency and inclusive workplace cultures
- The business benefits of investing in women
- What organisations risk losing when inclusion isn’t prioritised
- The role of fair recruitment and values-led leadership
- Understanding the realities of modern working lives
- Reasons to feel optimistic about the future of work
Key Takeaways:
- Equity requires ongoing commitment and action
- Confidence and mental load continue to affect women’s careers
- Flexibility works best when built on trust and communication
- Investing in women improves talent attraction, retention and engagement
- Diverse teams drive stronger business performance
- Culture and leadership matter as much as policies
- Fair and inclusive practices create better outcomes for everyone
- Understanding employees’ experiences supports wellbeing and success
- Values-led organisations are better equipped to attract top talent
- Future generations are helping drive positive workplace change
Why Listen:
If you’re an employer, people leader or professional interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights into the real business impact of investing in women. You’ll gain practical perspectives on flexibility, talent retention, workplace culture and why supporting women at work benefits both individuals and organisations.
Show Links:
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn here