When Women Lead, Companies Thrive — Harvard Says by 47%
Women in the Workplace Cause Company Value to Skyrocket by 47% (According to Harvard Research)
A couple of weeks ago, I had a negative experience on a construction site. I was driving through, anticipating looking at show homes for the purpose of relocating. I won’t share the exact location, but needless to say, I was excited about the prospect.
A worker stopped me by waving at me, so I rolled down my window. I thought he was going to be helpful and give me directions or point me to the show homes. Instead, he started berating me for driving through a construction zone — loud, aggressive, and accusatory. I felt embarrassed and confused, wondering what I’d done wrong. All I could say was, “I didn’t know.” He replied, “Well, don’t blame me if you get a nail in your tire,” and walked away as though I didn’t deserve a shred of respect.
What made it worse was that another worker stood nearby, silently soaking it all in. He was learning — by example — that this kind of behavior was acceptable.
And because I wasn’t expecting to be berated, I gave away my position of strength. Sad, isn’t it — that we still need to be on guard for other people’s abuse on worksites.
Here’s the thing: I wasn’t some naïve newcomer to tough environments. I cut my teeth growing up on a cattle ranch, and my first formal job was in the oilfield as a swamper on a 750-bed truck — the only female on a crew of 60 men. I understand grit, long days, and hard work. But being tough doesn’t mean putting others down.
Respectful Workplace Culture
So what is it with rudeness in the workplace? Is it just men, or do women do it too? Let’s be honest — both genders are capable. Women can be equally cutting, though often with psychological finesse instead of brute force. Regardless of who it comes from, the impact is the same: a culture of fear, shame, and disengagement.
The best employees don’t stay long in that environment. They leave for companies where they feel valued and respected — and that’s where profits rise.
The Harvard Stat That Says It All
Harvard research has shown that companies with the greatest proportion of women in executive roles see a 47% higher rate of return on equity compared to those with none. That’s not a coincidence — it’s the direct result of inclusive, respectful, and emotionally intelligent leadership.
Where Does Your Company Stand?
Rate your organization on the Respectful Workplace Scale below:
1 – Toxic: Frequent disrespect, fear-based communication, bullying, or harassment are tolerated or ignored.
2 – Strained: Leadership acknowledges issues but has no structured plan to address them. Respect is inconsistent.
3 – Developing: Policies exist and awareness is growing, but accountability and training are still lacking.
4 – Respectful: Respect is valued, leaders model positive behavior, and employees feel safe to speak up.
5 – Exemplary: Respect is embedded in every process, celebrated daily, and linked to measurable business outcomes.
Final Thought: Do These 5 Things for Healthier Culture
Talk about respect every day. Make it part of your safety meetings and daily briefings — not just an annual policy reminder.
Reward what you want to see. Recognize and promote those who consistently display respect and professionalism.
Hold people accountable. Deal swiftly and fairly with disrespectful behavior — silence is consent.
Lead from the top. Leaders set the tone. If they model kindness and strength, employees will follow.
Invest in training. Equip your teams with the skills to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively.
A respectful workplace doesn’t happen by chance — it’s created intentionally, one conversation at a time.
Your Turn
I’d love to hear your thoughts — as a woman or a man — on what you believe about respect in the workplace. 💬 Leave a comment below or email me directly.
If you’d like help strengthening your organization’s culture or developing a Respectful Workplace strategy, visit www.nancyriegel.com to learn more.
About Nancy Riegel
Nancy Riegel is a Fortune 500 Executive Coach, Author, and People Strategist with a background that spans oilfield operations, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and leadership consulting. She helps organizations define, refine, and strengthen their workplace culture through customized training programs in Respectful Workplace, Leadership Presence, and Culture Strategy.