What Singapore's working women can do to get higher wage and promotion

Singapore’s working women are faring better than their counterparts in many other countries in terms of salaries, compared to their male counterparts, going by the Ministry of Manpower’s Report on Wages in Singapore 2011.

The report noted that the average difference in gross earnings of women and men has narrowed from 27.4 percent in 2007 to 26.5 percent in 2011. While the signs are positive, we still detect a significant gender wage gap.

Some obstacles blocking a working woman’s promotion or pay raise could be a lack of attention or recognition for what she is doing in her job, gender discrimination, organisational cultures, the perception of women’s roles in society and also a lack of opportunities given by companies.

Definitely, not all of these factors can be overcome by her own efforts. But all is not lost. Here is some practical advice on how working women can significantly increase their chances of getting the promotion or pay raise they desire.

1. Have A Positive Mindset and Do Not Be Constrained by Perceived Gender Differences

Positive thinking produces positive emotions which, in turn, produce positive actions. Learning how to motivate yourself and steer clear of negative thoughts about discrimination will allow you to focus on your goals and increase your chances of achieving them. A positive mindset will energise you to perform with greater motivation and more efficiently every day.

Given the current labour crunch Singapore faces, women only need to prove themselves at work through their achievements and dedication. Companies today cannot afford to overlook talent – either male or female – to survive.

Already, women have outnumbered men in many industries such as in financial and insurance services, health and social services, leisure and hospitality. According to the Ministry of Manpower, in 2012, there were 79,700 women working in the finance and insurance service industry as compared to 70,800 men.

2. Equip Yourself with the Right Skills and Knowledge

It will also be useful to get additional qualifications such as an MBA or attend corporate workshops in career or self-development offered by various reputable educational institutions.

According to the Forte Foundation Survey in the United States, 85 percent of MBA graduates attributed career progression to their MBA degree. In addition, women with MBAs see pay gains of 55 to 65 percent of their pre-MBA salary within five years of graduation.

3. Find Good Mentors and Form Useful Networks

Join women or industry associations and your school alumni as these groups engage in networking and mentoring. Such activities will help you expand your reach and build your influence.

Learn from women who have achieved success in the marketplace and see what needs to be done or changed in your own life, to boost your chances in attaining your professional goals.

A 2011 Sun Microsystems survey over a five-year period found that those mentored in a mentoring programme of some kind were promoted five times more often than those who were not.

Some of the more established women associations in Singapore that facilitate networking and mentoring include the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), Financial Women’s Association of Singapore (FWA) and Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE).

4. Hone Your Soft Skills

Soft Skills form the basis of women’s strengths and women should use them strategically to get ahead in their careers. Indeed, soft skills (such as teamwork, communication skills, personal effectiveness, creative problem solving, strategic thinking, influencing skills and selling skills) give women a sustainable advantage over men.

Women, more than men, have the ability to see opportunity and give their ideas life and inspire others to do the same. Women are masters of navigation. They follow up and make sure they sow their ideas in the most fertile networking ground.

Additionally, their inherent ability to be creative and their intuitive instincts usually allow for the discovery of opportunities that most miss. To sharpen their inherent soft skills, women can take up courses available at educational institutions and even industry associations and chambers of commerce which are generally open to both women and men.

Women, with their soft skills advantage, maternal and nurturing instincts, are wired to survive and thrive in fast-changing competitive times like these and they are thus well-poised to lead innovative organisations that desire sustainable growth.

Companies, therefore, should and will reward women for their contributions as salary and promotion in competitive environments are based more on merit and not just old boys’ networks.