Most ambitious women professionals love their work, as well as their family. Yet, sometimes they are forced to priortise one over the other, which is unfortunate.
Of course, it is not fair to have a generic discussion about gender equality or bridging the gender disparity gap in the workplace. These complex topics need a lot of thought, and the accuracy of the reply will depend on the woman’s location, demographic background, and education. Moreover, local traditions and culture affect how women are perceived in their community and could also affect their personal and professional choices.
These challenges notwithstanding, Ulrika Björklund, Dean at Hotel Institute Montreux, HIM tells Vinita Bhatia that she sees a positive shift in the contemporary generation of women professionals. This is especially when she compares things to when she was a female General Manager herself.
According to her, millennial and Gen Z women are much more confident, focused and determined and know what they want both in their private lives and careers. It is time that hotel companies continue supporting them.
Is there a higher incidence amongst women workers to take career breaks as compared to their male colleagues?
Yes, the incidence of women taking career breaks is higher in women than in men. The main reason is that the former will most likely take a break from her profession to look after children and / or look after elderly or ailing parents / family members. Traditionally, this has been an expectation and generally, the role of women in the household.
However, there has been a slight shift in mentality. More men are taking the role of child caretakers, which gives their wives the scope to pursue their careers. Of course, this will vary from country to country. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see that as a society we welcome, accept and support this ‘change of roles’.
Does this trend of likely career interruptions make employees more wary of employing women?
Again, I would say it depends on different regions, countries and continents. But yes, companies and organisations understand that female employees might at some point take a career break to look after children and their family.
This might, unfortunately, make them wary and lead to the rise of certain doubts when deciding to fill a position with a female candidate. Progressive organisations and companies will hire the right person for the right position, regardless of their gender. However, one can’t say that this applies accurately to all instances.
How do these career breaks affect a woman’s professional trajectory, leadership goals and financial stability in the hospitality industry?
The one thing that hospitality professionals have are transferable skills. These do not simply disappear when an individual takes a career break. The hospitality industry offers so many opportunities. As long as the individual is passionate and motivated there will always be opportunities to move ahead in one’s career.
Are there some patterns to job change and income losses when women re-enter the workforce after a break?
When re-entering the workforce, women might take time to re-establish themselves again, especially if they have been away for a long time. Income loss might appear as a lack of promotion or advancement opportunities.
Do you think that the pay gap disparity on re-entry to the workforce increases correspondingly to the duration of the interruption?
I would hope not but the reality is that in some instances it might.
Do male workers have to face similar financial penalties for career interruptions?
It depends on the length of their career break and the reason behind it. Traditionally, men take a break to pursue an education or training programme. Upon returning to the work force, they could be offered a salary hike and / or promotion. In some countries, new fathers can take a couple of months for paternity leave without facing any financial penalties when returning to work.
How can women professionals plan their career re-entry to minimise these issues?
It largely depends upon the individual. However, I strongly recommend that women taking a career break should nurture their network, continue to learn, remain curious and stay on top of trends.
Talk to your company to see if working from home on a part time basis is an option. COVID-19 has taught us one important lesson – that we are and can be connected at all times. It has also shown that working from home is acceptable, feasible and in some instances, even welcomed.
A career break should not be perceived as a negative move. It could offer new opportunities, if one makes the most of the situation.
