PowHer - Mentoring by and for Women

#mentoring #rolemodels #retainingwomen

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Initial Situation

One of the main goals of the program was to address a key barrier that prevent women from pursuing careers in digital fields: the lack of female mentors and role models. By providing access to experienced and successful female colleagues, the program aims to inspire and empower women to advance their careers and overcome any challenges they may face in male-dominated environments. Originally launched in Zurich, the program quickly gained popularity across Swiss Re and is now open to all women.

Action

PowHer is an employee-led mentoring initiative that started seven years ago in Zurich, connecting women of different ages, positions and professions as mentors and mentees across the organization. The program is volunteer driven, thriving on the passion and commitment of engaged female employees, which gives it significant flexibility in its approach. Mentors and mentees meet at speed networking events, where they have the opportunity to connect before being paired up.

Outcome

The program has helped to increase the visibility, recognition, and career progression of women at Swiss Re by fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity among its members, who actively support one another. Mentors and mentees often maintain long-lasting relationships that extend beyond the formal duration of the mentoring program. Additionally, they network with members across various locations and business functions, contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

This Best Practice was first published in the Gender Intelligence Report 2024.

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Initial Challenge

Building a volunteer-run mentoring program posed challenges. The dedicated volunteers debated various approaches and faced significant operational difficulties. Key challenges included reaching out to senior women leaders, encouraging them to commit time and openly share their experiences, and engaging career-starter women to understand the value of mentorship. Matching mentors and mentees based on preferences, availability, and compatibility was complex. The founders also had to ensure the program reflected the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of female talent across Swiss Re, provide ongoing guidance and support, facilitate feedback and communication, and scale the program to reach more locations and participants while maintaining its quality and effectiveness.

Goals

PowHer aims to foster cross-generational, cross-functional, and cross-divisional learning by connecting senior women leaders with talented women seeking mentorship and career support. The program creates mutually beneficial relationships where mentors share insights, skills, and experiences while mentees receive guidance, feedback, and encouragement in achieving their goals. By pairing individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, age groups, and fields of expertise, PowHer promotes exchange and understanding and helps mentees overcome challenges. The program also emphasizes building a strong PowHer brand, making it visible, accessible, and attractive to both current mentors and mentees, as well as potential future participants.

Approach

To overcome the initial challenges, PowHer implemented targeted strategies. Regular surveys were conducted to gather insights into the needs and preferences of both mentors and mentees, allowing for continuous program refinement. Local chapters were established to address the unique requirements of women in different regions, while regular global virtual meetings with chapter leads ensured alignment with the overall vision and facilitated global collaboration. To attract and retain senior women leaders, the program highlighted success stories and promoted the value of mentorship, encouraging more participation. The mentor-mentee matching process was improved over time, with experience guiding better compatibility based on preferences, availability, and shared goals. Additionally, ongoing communication and support were provided to mentors, ensuring they were well-equipped and engaged. These efforts helped scale the program effectively while maintaining its quality and inclusivity.

“I have realized in my 20+ years of corporate experience how important it is to have a mentor or guide, and the value they bring in enhancing career progression.”
Noby Bakshi

“My mentor has helped me become more confident in my abilities and find my voice within the company.”
Danielle Mauler

Result

PowHer now has over 350 active participants and has impacted an even larger number of women from more than 20 countries, with 129 mentors guiding 247 women in 2023 alone. The result is a successful mentoring program, with participants reporting a positive impact on retention, employee satisfaction, and performance for both mentors and mentees, while simultaneously fostering a culture of learning and collaboration across the organization. To continuously build awareness and commitment, PowHer employs a multifaceted communication strategy, using flyers, testimonials, videos, and SharePoint sites. They regularly survey members for feedback, organize events to strengthen the community, and distribute branded products that embody PowHer’s values to chapters worldwide.

What else is the company offering?

In addition to the PowHer mentoring program, Swiss Re is dedicated to fostering gender equity by promoting balanced female representation across all levels of the organization. The company is committed to ensuring equal pay practices and implementing flexible working policies that support the diverse needs of our people. To further support employees, Swiss Re offers a return-to-work program designed for professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break, providing the resources and support needed to transition smoothly. Additionally, the company has established a global minimum standard for parental leave, reinforcing its commitment to work-life balance and ensuring that all employees can navigate their professional and personal lives with greater flexibility and confidence. These initiatives, alongside the PowHer program, underscore Swiss Re’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all its employees, including their women talent.