Lack of support hits both men and women at work

A new report by consulting firm McKinsey and Company has raised concerns about potential setbacks for women in the workplace.

The headline "Corporate America Risks Rolling Back Progress for Women" has caught the attention of many, sparking important questions about the current state of workplace support.

WINK News reporter Sommer Senne explored these issues by speaking with experts and local employees.

Dr. Meagan Baskin from Florida Gulf Coast University shared insights on how returning to office policies might be impacting both men and women.

"Women don't feel supported in the workplace," said Baskin. "Men don't feel supported from their workplace that they can be more present in their home life. It's a double standard. Both men and women are both feeling that pressure."

Baskin further explained that while the policies might not intentionally harm women, they could inadvertently affect both genders who valued workplace flexibility.

"It might not necessarily be intended to hurt women, but it might hurt women," said Baskin. "It will hurt men as well that enjoyed that flexibility as well to be more present with their families."

Despite these challenges, some companies are making efforts to support their workforce. Autumn Wood, who works for an equipment rental company in Estero, shared her positive experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

"There's a strong mentor program where it's women to women mentorship that every year is celebrated with a reward for who was the best mentor and celebrates who was the best mentee," said Wood.

Kayla Wiggins, an employee at Eightpoint in Estero, noted the positive changes in workplace support, including the transformation of a utility closet into a comfortable mother's room.

"It definitely is amazing to see the transition from an almost non-female workplace to really recognizing that not just moms but parents in general need a lot of flexibility," said Wiggins.

However, not everyone experiences this level of support. Bri Thornton, a physical therapist working with pregnant and postpartum moms, highlighted the lack of support for new mothers returning to work.

"Sometimes, it's really uncomfortable for them going back into the workforce, because there's no set plan for breastfeeding moms, for moms who are pumping. There's not a designated space for them to do that," said Thornton.

In Estero, Haven 22 offers a supportive community for women. Britt Antonijevic, the owner, emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women can discuss workplace issues and find solutions.

"I've had women come to me emotional and crying and saying that they didn't feel heard, and that they felt very alone in what they were doing," said Antonijevic. "The number one step is creating those spaces to say, 'OK, where can we actually safely discuss these issues?'"

Advocating for oneself in the workplace is crucial, as highlighted by the women interviewed.

The "Women in the Workplace" study also found that women are less interested in promotions compared to men, but with adequate support, they are more likely to close that ambition gap.