Workshops and Consultation Services

Vermont Works for Women is available to help employers and organizations assess the working environment for women and gender-expansive individuals in their companies and advise or make recommendations for improvements. Through a series of confidential listening sessions with employees, we gather information about how they experience the workspace, what is going well, and what could improve. We then provide this feedback with best- practice recommendations to the leadership team. 

• (3 hrs; can be split into two 90-min workshops)
• This interactive workshop helps participants recognize how messages we received growing up about gender can influence our assumptions, behaviors, communication, and success. Through guided conversations and activities, participants will: 
  • Learn common language and frameworks for talking about gender in the workplace. (If split, part one) 
  • Explore how unconscious assumptions and everyday interactions can affect hiring, teamwork, and advancement.  (If split, part one) 
  • Practice practical strategies for responding to challenges when they appear, both as an ally and as someone directly impacted.  (If split, part two)
• Participants leave with tools they can apply immediately to help build a more respectful, supportive, and productive work environment.  (If split, part two)

Did you know job seekers spend just 49.7 seconds reviewing a listing before deciding it’s not a fit? What do potential employees see when they visit your job listings? This workshop offers a recap of the benefits of having a variety of perspectives on your team and provides practical strategies for reaching and attracting a wider pool of qualified candidates. We will review internal and external messaging, effective job descriptions, and best practices for interviewing. Lastly, we will talk about some benefits and supports that help to create a “human-friendly” workplace that will make any employee want to stay for the long haul! (2 hrs) 

Individually tailored support, beyond or in addition to the services above, billed hourly. Interested employers should connect with us to discuss interests, needs, and availability. 

Gender Equity Advancement Roundtable (GEAR) is a space that brings together businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community partners to share effective approaches for supporting women+ and fostering a workplace where everyone can contribute fully. For a single annual fee, members are invited to four learning sessions each year featuring guest speakers, practical tools, and peer discussions. Members leave with actionable ideas and resources to strengthen their workplace culture and improve employee engagement. 

• Youth Training: Building Respectful Workplaces 
  • Engaging workshops for students exploring careers in fields considered nontraditional for women and girls+. Participants learn how to communicate effectively, work as a team, and contribute to a positive jobsite culture.
• Youth Training: Respectful Communities Workshops
  • These sessions give students a space to talk about gender, relationships, and how we treat each other. Participants explore ways to create respectful and supportive spaces at school and in the community. Open to all genders, topics may include but are not limited to, Understanding Gender, Preventing Harassment, and Building Positive Communities.