An empowered workplace – not just on International Women’s Day!

On #IWD we can celebrate the many achievements of our female-led business.  However it is the knowledge that gender equality and female empowerment are firmly engrained in our culture and in our practice that we truly value.

Monks is a self-funded business, owned and led by women, and with 80% female employees.  Judy Bourne and Patricia Baila bought the business to become Directors and Co-owners in 2014.  For context, in 2022 just 18% of the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises with employees were led by women*.

Investing in people is key to Monks’ success.  In the last 12 months three female staff have been promoted, reflecting Monks’ policy on the advancement of women.  Beth Griffiths achieved her MNAEA Level 3 qualification in February 2024 and was promoted to Senior Sales Negotiator along with a male colleague.  Monks follow a policy of equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.

As part of Monks’ recruitment, we offer Continuous Personal Development training and annual performance appraisals.  This focus on helping staff to grow within the business appealed to Beth who moved from another local agent: “I knew that Monks valued training and career progression, and this was one of the reasons I joined them.”

“As employers, we understand women have a difficult journey to get where they are now and we want to support them through their process.  We always say to our team that if they want to grow within Monks, the sky is the limit!”  explains Patricia Baila.

Lucinda Thompson, MARLA and MNAEA, is a perfect example of growing within the business.  She started her career at Monks as a Letting Negotiator in May 2015 and became part of the Senior Management Team three years ago.  During this time, Lucinda was supported through her qualifications, became a member of ARLA and NAEA, got married, and had a daughter.  “It is great to see families grow as part of Monks!” smiles Patricia.

Monks is proud to offer family-friendly policies to all staff.  We employ seven mothers and three grandmothers who all balance child-care commitments with their jobs.

Monks’ practice of female advancement extends to supplier diversity and networking with other female-led businesses.  Monks trusts the services of Sarah Ridings at Ellis-Ridings Mortage Services.  We work regularly with Anna Kayiatou at Dutch Living.  Carlie Birch, Director at Penguin Electrical, is a long-standing supplier.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

* According to data from the Government’s annual Small Business Survey.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Careers at Monks