Five Reasons To Work For A Woman-Owned Small Business

Originally published in Forbes.com

Have you taken stock lately of where work fits into your priorities? Our jobs represent a more significant proportion of our life than any other single endeavor. No wonder we want our work to be meaningful.

Of course, unless we are volunteering, we are working for a paycheck. Yet our wages don’t inspire and engage us, nor do they provide us with a sense of purpose. Most of us find meaning in work that enables us to use our strengths, learn and make a positive contribution to our companies and the world.

Here is some advice to job seekers, whether you are just entering the workforce or looking for a new job: Take a look at small businesses, especially those that are owned by women. Why? Because these companies provide supportive work environments, offer opportunities for personal growth and can enable you to make a meaningful contribution to society through your work.

According to the National Organization of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), there are 11.6 million firms owned by women. They generate 9 million jobs and bring in $1.7 trillion in sales. But that’s not all. Women-owned small businesses create environments that are healthy, inspiring and purposeful. Their organizational cultures support meaningful work.

Consider the following:

#1 Small women-owned businesses connect employees with the mission

Women business owners tend to place great importance on company mission and values. And they help their employees understand how they can contribute to the company’s purpose.

#2 Women leaders have the characteristics for steering transformations

Businesses with a purpose beyond profits need strong transformational leaders to succeed over the long term. A recent Harvard Business Review article revealed that, when rated by others, women leaders score higher than men on 84% of the qualities required for successful transformational leadership. They surpassed men in characteristics such as honesty and integrity, resilience, bold leadership, building relationships and championing change. They also rated higher on interacting with the world outside of their businesses.

#3 Women create healthy workplace cultures

Women business owners focus on establishing trust and confidence in their organizational cultures. These two characteristics form the foundations of a healthy workplace. A Harris poll reported that close to a quarter of adults believe that women start businesses to establish the healthy cultures that are missing in male-led companies.

#4 Women care about work/life balance

Women tend to be motivated by independence and self-realization. They seek a balance in work and family commitments. They are aware that their employees need whole lives. As a result, many are willing to provide employees with flexible work arrangements.

#5 Women are collaborative leaders

Women usually adopt a collaborative and participative style of leadership and include their employees in their decision making. And if the woman-owned business is small, employees are likely to be more visible and better able to act on their ideas.

Of course, large companies have advantages as well. They may offer better pay and more attractive benefits. However, if you are looking for meaningful work in a company with a positive and supportive culture, check out women-owned small businesses.

Want to know more about our woman-owned small business, take a look at Who We Are.