Support Your Coworkers: 5 Ways To Uplift Other Women At Work

In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 57 percent of the workforce in America are women. This statistic reminds us of the importance of uplifting and encouraging fellow women in the workplace. This act of kindness will ensure that the statistic grows higher over time. With that in mind, here are five ways to uplift women at work with little to no cost. 

If you’re not comfortable encouraging your coworkers in person, group chats are a great alternative to hyping each other up. Before a coworker has a meeting with your boss or a consultation with a client, you and your colleagues can send her uplifting messages. From messages such as, “You got this” to “Boss energy,” these phrases will give them a boost in confidence. Slack is one of many messaging apps for businesses to connect employees. The app is free to download and accessible on mobile and computer. You can send coworkers messages at work or while on the go with no issue.

If a coworker just received a promotion or good news, it’s the perfect time to celebrate them. Leave her a handwritten congratulations note on her desk or her favorite box of candy. A small gesture goes a long way when uplifting the people around you. 

If your company celebrates Christmas, mix things up with a Secret Santa challenge to get all of the employees involved. If the company has an all-women staff, then invite everyone out for a staff women’s brunch. These are ways to take a break from the job, make time to build connections, allow coworkers to vent, and encourage a coworker’s personal and professional goals.

Speaking of events, who doesn’t love a birthday party? Instead of wishing a coworker “Happy Birthday” and moving forward with your day, make their special day a memorable one. Collaborate with coworkers to bring food, drinks, and maybe even a few office-appropriate gifts for the guest of honor. This will take some effort and time out of your day, but it’s worth seeing your coworker feeling happy and appreciated. Get creative and don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops.

This may be challenging, but sometimes providing constructive criticism to a coworker is best. If you notice one of your coworkers struggling or doing a task incorrectly, pull her aside, and kindly steer her in the right direction. It may feel like you’re overstepping at first, but eventually, she will realize that you did it to help her succeed. The coworker will be grateful for your guidance. In fact, Oak Engage shared that 92% of employees connect constructive criticism with overall improvement. 

Remember, it can be difficult for anyone (especially women) to thrive in navigating he workplace without feeling a sense of camaraderie. By taking the time to explore different ways to uplift women at work, you can help strengthen employee bonds. 

The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.