Article by Laura Hourican, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Firstsource
Since 2017, employers with over 250 employees must publicly report their gender pay gap. Initiatives such as these drive awareness of the disadvantages working women still face. There has also been an increased emphasis on recognising female-focused events like International Women’s Day and National Women’s Health Week.
Undoubtedly these are all steps in the right direction, but businesses must continue building upon successes to play a more meaningful part in enabling change. This article shares how we’ve tackled various issues to support women in our workforce.
At Firstsource, we host female-focussed events that celebrate professional achievements of women in the workforce. We also provide safe environments for female workers to voice views and concerns.
For example, at our office in Derby, we held a Women in Leadership event to promote conversations about the female experience in the workplace. The event had a great turnout and provided our female employees with more opportunities to share ideas and voice struggles. Many conversations were sparked about how to improve the experience women have in the work environment.
We also run a mentoring programme to connect women with more senior female colleagues who provide insights, training, and resources to help progress in mentees’ careers. Having a mentor increases assertiveness and creates a supportive working environment. Receiving feedback through mentoring can improve confidence and reduce gender-specific worries, which in turn can have a positive impact on mental health.
Adopting hybrid working during the pandemic improved work-life balance for many working parents. Hybrid working provided more flexibility and opportunities for both parents to share childcare responsibility more equally. We offer flexible options to work from home, enabling women to pursue careers even in instances where they might be a primary care giver, as it gives them more flexibility to balance work and care responsibilities.
Progressive maternity policies are another way to provide more support employees. We’ve introduced supportive messaging and flexible working from home. With 17% of women leaving the workforce entirely after childbirth, compared with 4% of men, UK employers can clearly do more to support women. Our maternity policy helps provide an environment of equal opportunity for working mothers and alleviates some of the stress of returning to work after pregnancy.
Earlier this year Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister revealed she is anxious about the menopause, how it might impact her work, and addressed the stigma attached to the subject. Menopause can make working difficult for women, yet frequently it is overlooked as a workplace issue. It is crucial for companies to have menopause policies in place that allow women to carry out their job while taking care of their wellbeing.
Last year, we launched our menopause policy, seeking a more inclusive approach. We offer a variety of support, from inclusive conversations to mental health and wellbeing first aid, and days off. To ensure these policies work, we trained both male and female leaders on female health policies.
Even with specific policies in place, there’s evidence women are likely to be more disadvantaged when they return to work after childbirth. And of course, there’s the gender pay gap.
We found the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index (GEI) a useful benchmarking tool. GEI uses gender-data reporting to measure the performance of public companies and their commitment to transparency.
It helped us measure our approach, policies and results against other companies, and identify areas to improve. It helped us take a step back and ask ourselves, “How can we do more?”. We are proud to be named in the GEI for 2021 and 2022.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.