Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Research and Policy Brief

Volume

59

Publisher

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Publication Date

8-15-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Abstract

State leaders continue to boast that Utah is at the “forefront of innovative and awe-inspiring economic opportunity initiatives,”1 with a “robust list of accolades [that] is impressive” (e.g., among top states for affordability, best economic outlook, best state for social mobility, best state to start a business). Yet, for the past nine consecutive years, Utah has been ranked as WalletHub’s worst state for women’s equality.2 This includes being placed as 49th of 50 in “Workplace Environment,” based on metrics such as income disparity, higher-income disparity, and the disparity in share of executive positions. Although some continue to justify or even dismiss this persistent ranking as insignificant, the metrics that WalletHub uses align with extensive research that confirms that many Utah women are not thriving in their workplace environments.3 With the current talent shortage and the rising expectations of workers today—and for the state to continue to see economic success well into the future—Utah’s workplaces must create cultures that better support all Utahns.

Research on the importance of implementing flexible and family-friendly policies, programs, and practices in workplaces has been well documented.4 In fact, there is a clear, direct link between companies that implement these types of strategies and the retention and advancement of women.5 Fortunately, many Utah companies are taking the lead in offering initiatives and benefits that are making a positive difference in their employees’ lives. Highlighting the best practices of these leading organizations can help all of Utah’s employers better understand how to implement policies and create workplace cultures that support women and families.

To address the complex challenge, in 2022, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), and the Cox–Henderson Administration partnered on a one-year initiative titled 100 Companies Championing Women (100 CCW). Part of Inspire InUtah campaign’s mandate to support women in the workplace at all levels, the initiative was so successful that it has continued as a multi-year initiative. Specifically, the 100 CCW highlights businesses around the state that have incorporated family-friendly policies and practices and have implemented programs that improve recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing women employees and leaders, including entrepreneurs. The overarching goal is to provide resources for women (e.g., networking, training, funding, and employment) and companies (e.g., strategies, tools, and best practices) that facilitate success now and in the future. This research and policy brief provides a summary of the data collected during the second year of this public campaign.

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