Rachael Flanagan aims to dismantle one of the longest-standing misconceptions about offices.
"The era when people were bent over mops is gone," stated the founder of Mrs Buckét, the cleaning firm she launched following her failure in the business A-Level examination.
His team consists mostly of females, and he aims to assist in eliminating the obstacles faced by women in other work environments.
The business advocacy organization CBI Cymru discovered that discrimination and unconscious biases were hindering women's advancement into leadership positions. They also noted that increased accessibility to affordable childcare could improve women's opportunities for career growth.
The CBI stated that assisting additional women in reaching their full potential and transitioning into leadership positions could significantly influence the Welsh economy.
For Ms. Flanagan from Swansea, this involves empowering and encouraging women who may experience "imposter syndrome" and lack the confidence to step up for high-level positions.
I've had managers who have collaborated with me, and we’ve had multiple side discussions where they would tell me, 'You can definitely accomplish this.'
She mentioned that the men working in the office should also participate in shifting their mindsets.
She stated that it shouldn't be the responsibility of women to overcome numerous obstacles.
The men in the room ought to recognize that they are limiting their own chances, and that there's an aspect of workplace culture which makes things tough for women.
By the age of 37, Ms. Flanagan has established a company that employs over 400 individuals in South Wales. She utilizes cutting-edge technology for cleaning offices, schools, and specialized locations.
This isn't your typical part-time, low-paid janitorial job where women in uniforms usually wipe dust from desks.
Ms. Flanagan mentioned that several of her most insightful advisors were males, yet she frequently found herself as the sole female among numerous male CEOs and business pioneers.
When enhancing prospects for women, the change begins in their workplace through adaptable hours and faith in employees who can finish their tasks efficiently even after making time for activities like dropping off children at school.
"Many employers actually offer flexible work schedules," Ms Flanagan stated.
Her recommendation: "Shift to those companies where you can thrive."
Having young kids doesn’t prevent you from advancing in your professional life too.
The research conducted by CBI Cymru and the University of South Wales shed light on the challenges encountered by women pursuing leadership roles.
We can't ignore the advancements that have occurred," stated Asha Musoni, the CBI's chief people officer. "However, structural institutional and cultural obstacles persist.
The particular obstacles include flexibility in work arrangements, availability of sufficient childcare, workplace gender biases, absence of mentoring opportunities, and limited support for fathers who work.
Several pieces of information revealed the gap in the experiences of men and women at work.
Only 11% of men, as opposed to 48% of women, felt they had missed out on chances because of their gender.
"When considering instances where they reach higher positions, 44% of women believe that they are assigned unfair duties," stated Ms. Musoni.
"Even when we provide people with opportunities but do not allow them the room and resources needed for growth, it becomes an issue we must address and consider ways to solve," she further stated.
Rachael Flanagan stated that one of the key motivators for women to seek leadership positions is observing the achievements of their peers.
"If visibility leads to possibility," she stated.
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