Working Women Deserve Better Work

In the early 19th century, many seasonal fishing-boat employers on the Newfoundland–Labrador route already preferred hiring women, because they realized that female employees "could in many cases do the work of two men at half the cost." Centuries of economic development and the voice of the women's movement have brought women into every industry — no longer as cheap labor, they are proving their worth with wisdom and diligence.

Among the employed population in our country, women make up as much as 46% — the highest female employment rate in the world. Among this large group of working women, some also carry another identity: "mother". Striving to balance work and family while caught in a constant whirl of busyness, working mothers have earned a resounding nickname: "working superwomen".

The rise of the working superwoman is driving change in office space. Only by addressing women's workplace needs at different stages of life can we truly ignite working women's passion for their jobs.

01.

- Work like you're at home -

In 2016, China's National Health and Family Planning Commission, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, and other bodies jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Mother-and-Infant Facilities, which specified that by the end of 2020, all public places and employers required to provide mother-and-infant facilities should have basically completed standardized facilities. Safeguarding working women's right to breastfeed has become a key part of the special labor protection for female employees.

Working superwomen returning to work soon after childbirth are more sensitive than ever. A carefully designed mother-and-infant room in the office addresses the practical needs of women of childbearing age. Where conditions allow, providing on-site childcare facilities is a sound strategy for retaining talent.

At the same time, women lean more than men toward the concept of "home" in a space: warmly furnished spaces with plenty of fabric decor are more favored by women. Thoughtful touches in the office can sometimes act as unexpected encouragement for female employees.

02.

- Communicate fully -

Build gathering places with a good atmosphere where working superwomen can find like-minded companions. Whether the question is about work or family, inspiration for solving it can emerge in seemingly casual conversation.

03.

- Care for health -

Women in the workplace are more prone to swelling during pregnancy. It is understood that nearly 90% of Chinese women experience some degree of pelvic deformation, and for many working mothers, postpartum (after natural birth) pelvic changes become a lasting burden. Long hours of sitting make daily office life hard to bear. A comfortable, flexible, healthy office space becomes a source of comfort for the working superwomen battling on the front line. An ergonomic, comfortable office chair; a pot of fresh green plants; a public space to stretch the body; or a quiet space for reflection — each can encourage working mothers and help them realize their self-worth.