How to Ask for a Promotion As a Woman

We may already be in the 21st century, but barriers still exist preventing women from advancing at the same rate as men.

A study by MIT Sloan associate professor Danielle Li found that female workers are less likely to get promoted than their male counterparts – regardless if they outperform the latter. Females who receive higher performance ratings still receive lower rankings than men in terms of potential. Worse, women don't protest against this discrimination.

With odds not in their favour, how does one ask for a promotion as a woman? Read on for tips that will set you undoubtedly and unquestionably ahead of the pack at work.

Why Aren’t Women Getting Promoted at the Same Rate as Men?

Several factors influence this enduring rate of inequality in the workplace.

First off, a notion that certain leadership qualities, such as assertiveness, aggression, dominance, and frankness, are more associated with men than women prevails. More unfair is that when a woman exhibits such attributes, other people take it against them. Strong and bold women are misconstrued as controlling, overbearing, or simply challenging. It’s a double standard that, unfortunately, is more advantageous for men than women.

Various studies have also found that women in their 20s and 30s were often victims of organisational discrimination. This age is when they typically start vying seriously with their male counterparts for higher roles and begin settling down and having children. On top of this competition, women more frequently ended up getting the lion’s share of housework and childcare versus their husbands or partners. As women reach their 40s, they usually end up choosing between success at work and prioritising family life.

Related article: Returning to Work After Being a Homemaker: How This Singaporean Woman Did It

While female graduates in Singapore have outnumbered male graduates over the past decade, the workforce still underutilises women. A survey by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also reveals that women earn six per cent less than men.

Thankfully, the Singapore government is actively pursuing legislation to outlaw discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, and other factors. More and more companies are also heeding the call for more fair practices and championing female representation in leadership roles. It would lead to more empowered women who are motivated, always aiming to #SEEKBetter and looking for a company that honours their needs and provides them with the compensation they deserve.

Why Women at Work Can Drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

If we look at research by McKinsey Global Institute, employing more women could mean a net growth of $26 billion to Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP). Having as many women-owned businesses owned as men could potentially grow the economy by as much as $95 billion. 

The more opportunities open to women, the bigger the difference they can make in various spheres and industries. The same research found that more diverse management teams tended to perform better when it came to creating additional value and profitability. 

Related article: Why Diversity in the Workplace is Important and How to Achieve It

How Can Women Be Recognised And Promoted at Work

While odds are stacked against women (for now), fortunately, there are many things you can still do to pursue your professional ambitions successfully.

1. Make sure your work gets noticed.

Maintaining incontestable value at work is the key to being a clear candidate for promotion. If your supervisor sees how your efforts and projects prove advantageous for the company, they will provide you with more immense responsibilities. Management and your peers can also attest to your performance and put in a good word for you during evaluation.

To take things a step further, be vocal about your achievements and aspirations when speaking with your boss. Knowing your intention and broader goals will plant a seed in their mind that you are determined to move up the career ladder.

2. Do your work well.

Nothing beats being a reliable and effective employee. Whether finishing projects on time, getting the nod of stakeholders, or coming up with error-free work, no one can dispute quality work done effectively and efficiently. 

Don't stop there. Push yourself further by taking things a step ahead and investing in new and additional skills that put you a notch above the competition. Take up a project management course, study business software, or earn a certification in a sought-after programme. 

Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills either. Use whatever you’ve learned to improve the company system, propose business solutions, or share your learnings with your teammates. Ultimately, everyone will see just how passionate you are about your job and that you're a team player.

3. Seek the guidance of both male and female mentors.

We all know that experience is the best teacher, and it helps to inherit the wisdom of those who have been in the industry longer than you. Seek the guidance of both male and female mentors in forming a better understanding of how the organisation works – and perhaps on the intricacies of office politics as well. 

It may seem counterintuitive to seek male mentors, but the whole idea behind this is for you to comprehend the male perspective. It also helps you develop your skills in establishing professional relationships with male peers and leaders.

Another thing to consider is to find mentors that don’t necessarily come from a similar age bracket, ethnicity, department, or management level. While it may not be as easy or comfortable relating to them at first, you'll receive more eye-opening insights from those who don't share your background.

4. Have a champion mindset.

No matter what you set your sights on career-wise, it will be difficult to achieve things if you have a defeatist mindset. Don’t underestimate the power of the mind. Believe that you can successfully make things happen with proper planning and channelling self-confidence. 

Also, don’t be afraid to take risks. It doesn’t hurt to present a bold idea to your boss if you feel the company will benefit from it. Having initiative is a terrific indicator of a potential leader in the making.

How Can Women Make Themselves a Role Model?

It’s natural for women starting in the workplace to look up to female leaders for inspiration. Women who’ve made it to the top can use their influence and career path as an example and create a voice for others.

Being powerful speakers, they can mentor female employees to speak more confidently and articulate their ideas more clearly and concisely. They can also coach them regarding troubleshooting, creating solutions, and navigating difficult situations.

As an embodiment of success, female leaders guide young women not only in actions and deeds but also in their thought processes. They can empower greener female employees to use their abilities to excel, lead, and even graciously accept praise. Women don't have to be meek all the time, after all. 

Female leaders can encourage other women to aspire to bigger things in the workplace and to adopt a “can-do” attitude.

Related article: Mums Returning to Work: How to Restart Your Career with Confidence

Women may feel like they are at a disadvantage given these barriers to a promotion in the workplace. However, with legislative support, female leaders standing up for them, and more companies adopting fairer practices, you can confidently achieve you dreams. 

For more content like this, check out our Career Resources page. Make sure to download our app via App Store and Google Play for better career opportunities that allow you to #SEEKBetter.