In the fast-paced world of HR, you're not just managing employees, you're shaping their experience and the future of your company. The old playbook of generic benefits isn't cutting it anymore. The truth is, women have unique needs that demand a tailored approach. #SHRM24 made it clear: female-focused benefits aren't just a nice-to-have, they're a must-have. It's about more than just attracting top talent; it's about empowering your female employees to thrive, and that translates into a stronger, more engaged workforce for everyone.

The data is undeniable: companies that invest in their female employees reap the rewards. Increased productivity, improved retention, and a boost to your employer brand are just a few of the benefits you'll see.

In this article, we're diving into the world of female-focused benefits. We'll show you the cutting-edge platforms that are revolutionizing the way companies support their female workforce, and we'll give you actionable insights on how to build a benefits package that truly makes a difference.

Build A Comprehensive Female-Focused Employee Benefits Package.

Women and men have different needs, especially around health and family. Besides the obvious fact that women go through pregnancy and childbirth, they also tend to be responsible for childcare and elder-parent care. Given the unique needs of women’s health, it seems only logical that employee benefits should be catered to gender-specific needs. 

When reflecting on #SHRM24, female-focused employee benefits were one of the hottest topics. Companies and employee benefits are looking to onboard tech that speaks directly to the needs of women employees. As you are no doubt aware, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are platforms that can offer your employees the benefits they need to thrive. 

The curated list of platforms below are examples of the types of benefits that will enhance your employee benefits alongside Leva.

Fertility

• Carrot: Specialize in fertility treatment. Carrot describes themselves as a “fertility benefit that’s right for your company, right now.” Their aim is to make high-quality fertility care accessible, inclusive and affordable for everyone. With 2,700+ clinics in 40 countries, employees get care from providers that meet strict clinical and regulatory qualifications.

Pregnancy & Postpartum

• Leva: Caters exclusively to pregnant and postpartum parents, the lifecycle of the benefit is approximately 22 months. The Leva platform offers advice, career counseling and lactation consultants amongst other services. It is app-based and easily integrated into HR systems like Ripple.

• Milk Stork: A breast milk shipping and storage company that helps breastfeeding mothers travel for work or personal reasons. Milk Stork's services include insulated shipping kits, convenient storage options, and expert lactation support.

Childcare:

• WeeCare: A platform that connects parents with licensed childcare providers, including daycare centers, preschools, and in-home caregivers. WeeCare simplifies the search and enrollment process, offers flexible scheduling options, and provides tools for communication and payment.

• Care: A comprehensive platform that helps families find and manage various caregiving needs, including childcare, senior care, pet care, and housekeeping. Care.com offers background checks, reviews, and online payment options for added convenience.

• Bright Horizons: A leading provider of employer-sponsored childcare and early education programs, offering on-site childcare centers, back-up care solutions, and tuition assistance programs. Bright Horizons focuses on high-quality care and education for children of all ages.

Health 

• Kindbody: A network of fertility clinics and wellness centers that offer a range of services for women's reproductive and overall health. Kindbody provides fertility treatments, gynecological care, mental health support, and nutrition counseling.

• Hello Alpha:  A virtual primary care solution designed to meet women's unique needs and provides access to affordable, high-quality care, anywhere and anytime.

• Midi: A virtual care clinic created by specialists in perimenopause and menopause.

Education: 

• MentorcliQ and https://www.chronus.com/: These platforms easily connect employees for development and support easily and assist in providing talented employees with guidance. 

• The Conference Board & Catalyst: Offer Women-focused conferences and workshops. 

Leadership:

Progress is still slow when it comes to women in C-Suite positions, according to a McKinsey study: Women make up only 28% of the C-suite, and women of color hold just 4% of C-suite positions. Women's Leadership Development Programs are a necessary and welcome addition to a benefits package for female employees. Here are some companies that provide such programs:

• Linkage

• The Center for Creative Leadership

Executive & Career Coaching for Women:

• BetterUp: A platform that braids coaching, science, and AI-fueled experiences to drive the performance your organization needs.

• Bravely: A coaching and training platform that provides employees with personalized, professional development—fueling higher levels of engagement and performance.

• Leva Coaching: A female-focused career coaching, designed to support women within the workplace, especially postpartum. 

Safety:

Offering self-defense and safety benefits is not only a matter of corporate social responsibility, but it also makes good business sense. By addressing the unique safety challenges women face, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace, ultimately benefiting their employees and their bottom line. 60% of women report experiencing unwanted sexual attention, sexual coercion, or sexually crude conduct at work (Harvard Business Review). Women may also avoid certain jobs or career paths due to safety concerns, limiting their opportunities for advancement.

Here are a couple of organizations that offer safety solutions to companies: 

• Self-Defense Training: Local gyms and martial arts studios often offer self-defense classes. Companies like Impact Personal Safety offer corporate training.

• Transportation Assistance: Companies like Uber for Business or Lyft Business can be used for subsidized rides to ensure female and other vulnerable employees get to work and back safely:

• Uber for Business

• Lyft Business

In Conclusion

The winds of change are blowing through HR, demanding a shift from traditional benefits packages to a more personalized and inclusive approach. It's time to recognize that women have unique needs and deserve benefits that support their overall well-being, personally and professionally.

By offering a robust suite of female-focused benefits, you're not just checking a box; you're investing in your most valuable asset: your people. In doing so, you're building a stronger, more equitable workplace for everyone.

Author: Vanessa Jupe | Founder, Leva Platform

Sources:

• Harvard Business Review. (2022). Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Persistent Issues, Evolving Solutions. Retrieved from https://hbr.org

• Catalyst. (2024). The Slow Climb: Women in the C-Suite. Retrieved from https://www.catalyst.org

• McKinsey & Company. (2023). Women in the Workplace 2023: Progress and Pitfalls in Achieving Gender Parity. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com