Modern female executives face the dual challenge of navigating systemic workplace barriers while living up to the “superwoman” ideal—a cultural standard that demands perfection at work and at home. Such a high bar, unachievable for most, harms not only individual women but also organizations that lose talent and leadership potential. We need a recalibration of role models and organizational policies to support authentic, attainable leadership.

 A Benchmark Set Too High

High-profile examples of women who “do it all”—from managing Fortune 500 companies to raising large families—offer inspiration but also perpetuate unattainable ideals. While these role models break barriers, their curated images often lead other women to experience guilt, self-doubt, and burnout when they inevitably fall short of the “superwoman” standard. For HR professionals, understanding the damaging effects of this narrative is critical to fostering equitable workplaces.

Read more at: https://www.thehrdirector.com/superwoman-myth-unrealistic-expectations-hurt-female-executives-organizations/