Women are crucial in driving economic progress, fostering innovation, and enhancing societal well-being. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), women made up 56.8% of the labor force in 2022, bringing their skills and expertise to various businesses. Despite their significant presence in the workforce, women continue to face unique challenges, including societal pressure regarding having children and work-life balance.
One of the most important things that can help women maintain and advance their careers is more flexibility in both work and education. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers flexibility and accessibility for women seeking to advance their careers while managing multiple responsibilities.
Improving Flexibility for Women
Breaking free from traditional norms is vital for pursuing advanced degrees and advancing careers. It takes more flexibility for women — especially those juggling career, family and education — to effectively deal with the complexities of modern life. The ability to tailor work schedules, access online learning options and adopt flexible work arrangements is vital for women to pursue their educational and career goals without sacrificing personal or professional success. Organizations and academic institutions can enable women to reach their full potential and make valuable contributions to the workforce by fostering a culture of inclusivity and flexibility.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance of workplace flexibility, presenting both challenges and opportunities for women. While the shift to remote and hybrid work and increased flexibility provided a newfound work-life balance for many women, it also increased already-existing inequalities and the stress of caring for a family.
McKinsey & Company’s 2023 Women in the Workforce report revealed that nine out of 10 women under 30 aspire to attain senior leadership roles and promotions, showing that flexibility is critical for women pursuing their career goals. The report also revealed that one in five women see flexibility as a crucial element in maintaining their jobs or avoiding reduced hours, highlighting the essential part that flexibility has played in keeping women in the workforce. Many women also reported feeling less fatigued and burnt out when working hybrid or remotely, and they had more focused time for their work.
Research from Deloitte indicates a growing desire among women for flexibility in their work arrangements, with a lack of flexibility being a top reason for leaving their current employer. However, many women are concerned about the potential consequences of requesting more flexible hours, with 97% believing it could negatively impact their promotion chances. In addition, 95% feel that if they gain more flexibility, their workloads will not be adjusted, leading to a full-time job in fewer hours and for less money.
Why an Online MBA?
The BGSU online MBA program accommodates the needs of working women through flexible scheduling, asynchronous coursework and remote learning options. Online MBA programs empower women to pursue higher education without disrupting their careers or personal lives. Whether balancing full-time employment, family responsibilities or other commitments, women can access world-class education and networking opportunities from the comfort of their homes.
Allowing for flexibility in employment and education makes women feel empowered in the workforce. Organizations can boost innovation and productivity, retain top talent and cultivate inclusive cultures by embracing flexible work arrangements. To guarantee that women have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education and professional growth, colleges and universities must prioritize accessibility and adaptation for their degree programs.
Focusing on personal and professional growth, the BGSU online MBA program emerges as an empowering choice for women looking to expand their career options in the dynamic landscape of today’s fast-paced corporate world. This transformative degree not only propels individual success but also positions empowered women as catalysts for gender equality, inspiring women to achieve greatness in every facet of life.
Learn more about the Bowling Green State University online MBA program.
