By Carrie Whamond, Founding Partner at Alternit One
In the world of finance, many of us thrive on high-stakes decision-making and fast-paced environments. This is true irrespective of gender, however for women in leadership, particularly those in C-suite roles, this pressure can be profound. Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into how women uniquely experience stress in high-pressure industries during the Women’s COO Club Breakfast panel discussion, “Biology – Does It Really Matter?” I was joined by Dawn Marie Lamonica, an outsourced COO and executive coach, exploring this topic in more detail.
Stress in the Financial Industry: A Unique Challenge for Women
Working in finance, we’ve often been conditioned to believe that stress is simply part of the job. While some of us may excel under pressure, it’s vital to understand the physiological mechanisms that come into play for women. During the discussion, we explored the stress response system, examining how hormones like cortisol and adrenaline influence the fight-or-flight reaction. Women often experience stress differently from men due to biological and physiological differences, and it’s crucial that we recognise when this becomes unhealthy.
A key point that emerged during the fireside chat was the impact of chronic stress. The long-term effects of working in a high-pressure environment are serious. Stress can contribute to cardiovascular disease, weaken the immune system, and affect mental health. Women (and men) when juggling caregiving responsibilities or societal expectations, often face heightened levels of stress. We cannot overlook the physical and mental toll this takes on our well-being.
Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Threat
Another significant topic we addressed was the effect of sleep deprivation. In finance, the culture of late-night work is often normalised. However, sleep is fundamental to maintaining cognitive abilities. Lack of rest impairs decision-making, diminishes attention, and increases the risk of burnout. We shared practical strategies to mitigate these effects, emphasising the importance of establishing boundaries that allow for healthier sleep, even with unpredictable schedules.
The Culture of Finance: “Always On”
Our industry has long fostered a culture of extended hours and an ‘always-on’ mentality. While many of us have adapted to this rhythm, it does come at a cost and it is not not just productivity that suffers; our health is at stake too. Women in finance often bear additional burdens, facing gender-specific stressors such as workplace discrimination, gender bias, and the pressure to perform at higher levels. Setting healthy boundaries is therefore important to protect our well-being without compromising career progression.
Managing Stress and Promoting Well-Being
To counteract the negative effects of stress, preventive strategies for both individuals and organisations can be adopted. Whether it’s incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines, encouraging regular physical activity, or implementing corporate wellness programmes, there are many steps we can take to foster mental well-being in the workplace. Nutrition also plays a vital role in managing stress and enhancing cognitive function. Simple dietary changes can help sustain energy levels and improve focus—two essential factors for those of us making high-pressure decisions daily.
The Power of Physical Activity and Emerging Trends in Wellness
We also explored how physical activity can significantly reduce stress and improve overall health. Even moderate exercise can make a substantial difference in the ability to handle stress. Innovative approaches to stress management that emerged from the discussion included the growing popularity of corporate wellness programmes, mindfulness training, and mentoring initiatives. These emerging trends are showing great promise in helping to better manage mental and physical health in high-pressure environments.
Advocating for Ourselves and Each Other
One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation was around self-advocacy. It is crucial for everyone, not just women to advocate for their mental and physical health in the workplace without fear of backlash or the perception of compromising their careers. In today’s finance industry, mental well-being is becoming just as important as financial performance. We must continue pushing for policies and practices that prioritise employee well-being.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
From the discussion at the Women’s COO Club Breakfast, it is clear that biology does matter. As women in finance, we face unique hormonal challenges in managing stress, sleep, and overall wellness. However, with the right strategies and support, we can build resilience and thrive in high-pressure environments without sacrificing our health.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the roundtable discussions, and to Dawn Marie Lamonica for her invaluable insights. Together, we can continue navigating the demands of the industry while prioritising our well-being.
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