Equality Starts at Home to increase productivity at work.

When discussing #GenderEquality in the workplace, we often miss a key element: what happens at home. Many women today are balancing full-time jobs while taking on a “second shift” of household chores, child-rearing, and managing family life. According tto Bureau of Labor Statistics on average, women spend 37% more time on housework and childcare than men and carry a greater share of the ‘mental load’ needed to keep households running smoothly. This imbalance not only leads to burnout but also limits their ability to fully succeed in the workplace.

While corporations work hard to implement gender equality policies, the real issue often starts at home. We cannot achieve true equality in the workplace if household responsibilities remain unequally divided. Real change begins by addressing this imbalance.

So, how can we start shifting this paradigm? Here are three actionable steps:

1. Focus on Collaboration, NOT Cooperation: Collaboration means everyone shares responsibilities and is equally invested in the outcome. Cooperation, on the other hand, often feels like one person directing tasks while the other follows instructions. At home, collaboration fosters ownership and accountability, allowing for a more equitable distribution of tasks.
2. Share Household Chores Based on Abilities, Not Gender: Instead of assigning tasks based on traditional gender roles, distribute household responsibilities according to individual strengths. Maybe one person is better at organizing, while the other prefers cooking. Leveraging these talents creates a more balanced and efficient home environment.
3. Have a Vision for Your “Team” (Family): Like workplace teams, families thrive with a shared vision. Set collective goals—whether they involve personal growth or household management—and work together to achieve them. This shared purpose builds a supportive and empowering environment.

I recently presented a webinar titled “Equality Starts at Home to Increase Productivity at Work” for a major organization in Barcelona. One key takeaway was that true gender equality begins at home, with co-responsibility—the fair distribution of tasks and the mental load. By embracing this approach, we not only create healthier, more productive workplaces but also more balanced, fulfilling lives.

#EqualityAtHome #GenderEquality #WorkLifeBalance #CoResponsibility #Leadership

#equalitymatters #mutualresponsibility #equalitystartsathome #leaders #transformation #teamwork