Gender Equality In The Workplace: Beverly Airport

Press release from Beverly Regional Airport:

May 29, 2021

The Pandemic Effect

The impact of the pandemic in the workplace will continue to be felt for years to come, but we already know some of the consequences to the workforce. The pandemic, workplace repercussions and the decisions that many companies face today to deal with them will directly impact their recovery, the workforce, and the economy at large.

Here are the realities that are already well established and now widely documented… most recently in a large study from LeanIn.Org.

Employees are struggling to do their jobs. Remote working has blurred the lines between home and work. There is real stress in worrying about job security that came with the uncertainty that the pandemic brought. There is also stress over finances. Burnout rates are higher than ever before.

The Compounded Effects on Women

The study also shows in particular women have been adversely impacted. Women who are mothers have always had a much heavier load to carry, but the pandemic brought the additional roles of “teacher” and “educator” onto their already full plates. Women- particularly women of color were more likely to have been laid off as companies made budgetary cuts.

The workplace situation has more than one in four women considering “downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce all together. The situation is considered a workforce emergency that could significantly impact the country.

Smart companies are addressing the potential crisis with flexible and empathetic thinking meant to retain great women and other minority employees.

The BIG Picture

Progress towards gender parity is slower that we thought it would be and slower than it should be. Pre-pandemic January 2020 showed slow but steady growth in the right direction. Senior Management positions held by women (between June 2015 and January 2020) grew from 23 to 28 percent and the C-Suite Tier grew from 17-21 percent. However, these numbers still indicate a massive underrepresentation of women.

Anna Poole, co-author of the book, Creating Futures that Matter Today and an expert in facilitating individual leadership development and top team development says, “As an executive coach for the past 20 years, across many industries and well-known brands, I can unequivocally say that when women are not supported in growing professionally, due to a lack of inclusive leadership, everyone loses. I see this every day—a profound indifference and lack of concern about the welfare and experiences of women at work.

It’s tragic, because female leadership is linked to the creation of more psychologically safe teams and work cultures—which automatically supports higher engagement and performance. Women tend to bring a stronger empathy and focus on customers, leading to stronger bottom lines. And they tend to be curious about more diverse points of view, supporting innovations and break through thinking.

Regardless of how many women companies hire, if the leadership is indifferent or downright hostile towards them, women will not thrive, they will not be able to bring all of what they are capable of contributing to work, and everyone will lose out.”

This is precisely why companies must act decisively and creatively to retain women on their payrolls. We urge all management to identify and work towards solutions to address the potential workplace crises.

Beverly’s Commitment to Gender Equality

We are proud of our commitment to gender equality and take our responsibility to our stakeholders, colleagues, and business partners seriously. Here are just a few facts that highlight our ongoing commitment to women and other minorities,

• Gloria Bouillon (female) is the Airport Manager and Director (and a pilot)
• Beverly Flight Center is owned and managed by 2 females
• Baker Aviation is managed by a female
• Avier Flight School is minority owned

More than one half of businesses operated by females and minority at our airport

Women in Aviation

Beverly is incredibly proud of this impressive list of woman and minority representation.

However, women and other minorities in aviation remain vastly underrepresented. Gloria Bouillon, Beverly Airport Manager and Director works tirelessly to represent women in aviation locally, nationally, and internationally. Just days ago, she spoke virtually at an Aviation Conference that was held in Dubai.

“Working towards gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue or responsibility, it’s everybody’s responsibility. The reality is that everyone should be fully engaged and part of the solution as everyone benefits.” – Gloria Bouillon, Beverly Regional Airport

We would love to answer any questions or help you with all your aviation needs. Please contact us today.

This press release was produced by Beverly Regional Airport. The views expressed are the author's own.