Code of Balance Wellness Toolkit: Self-Advocacy

Code of Balance Wellness Toolkit: Self-Advocacy

Written by Manda Frederick & Sarah Healy

toolkitswellness

Welcome to the WWCode Code of Balance — your wellness toolkit for diverse technologists. This month, we’re exploring self-advocating for yourself in all realms of the workplace. Engage with this toolkit through thought-provoking self-reflections, valuable resources, cool tools, affirmations to guide you, and a curated Spotify playlist to empower you throughout the workday. 

Women face a lot of challenges in the workplace. A well-known problem is burnout, defined by chronic stress and exhaustion, which affects individual well-being and undermines productivity and organizational success. Moreover, gender disparities persist in compensation structures, with women frequently receiving lower pay for comparable or even greater work — not only are women overworked, but they are also underpaid. Did you know that nearly half of employed women say their feeling of burnout has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic? Almost a third say their job responsibilities have increased (29%), though only 14% say their compensation has increased. The issue of burnout and equitable pay has garnered increasing attention. Recognizing the critical need for self-advocacy, you can empower yourself to address these issues head-on. 

This toolkit will help you develop the crucial skill of self-advocacy, which can help you assert your worth, demand equitable treatment, and foster a healthier and even more inclusive workspace. 


❣️Just a reminder, we are not mental health professionals – just your techie besties sharing what works for us! If you are experiencing any health issues or mental health crises in the workplace, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your People Team/HR or a mental health professional. 

Wellness Toolkit: Self-Advocacy

 🎧 We encourage starting this month’s March “Self-Advocacy” Playlist as you go through the rest of the toolkit. 

Checking In 

Explore this self-reflection check-in to dive deeper into your journey of self-advocacy and nurture your well-being. Take a moment, sip some water, vibe with our curated playlist, and breathe. 

Suppose you answered “yes” to all or most of these questions; great work! You are working toward the self-advocacy you need to nourish your mental and career wellness. If you answered “no,” that’s okay! Keep reading for tools and resources to understand the importance of self-advocating. 

Reflecting to Self-Advocate

Complete the following reflections to support your self-advocacy during your next 1:1 and/or annual review. Your voice is pivotal in shaping your professional journey.

Tools We Love for Self-Advocacy

Check out some tools to encourage you more on your self-advocacy journey. Below, you’ll find some great examples of apps, books, podcasts, and more to empower you to thrive on your wellness journey each month! 

📱 Apps 

  • Speeko | Get communication and public speaking coaching to amplify your voice. 
  • Glassdoor | Learn what you should be paid based on industry trends. 

😎 Cool Things 

  • A box of pep talks  | Because who doesn’t need to know they’re super special and pretty darn OK just as they are!
  • The Self-Esteem Workbook | Get proven cognitive techniques for talking back to your self-critical voice.

 📺 Media 

🧘🏼‍♀️ WWCode Content

Affirmations for Self-Advocacy 

An affirmation is a positive statement you say or think that reinforces self-belief or personal goals. Research tells us that affirmations work because of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning. You can change your brain by changing your thinking, which can support a more constructive mindset. 

Take a few minutes, find a quiet place, and listen to this month’s WWCode affirmations on self-advocating for yourself as a diverse technologist: 

  • I prioritize self-care, recognizing that my well-being is essential for sustained success in my career. 
  • I am a valuable team member, contributing meaningfully to our collective success.
  • I am committed to advocating for inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of my work environment.
  • I am empowered to negotiate and seek equitable compensation that reflects my skills and expertise.
  • I deserve to be acknowledged, respected, and valued for my contributions at work. 
  • I am confident in expressing my workplace needs, boundaries, and aspirations.
  • I honor my worth and advocate for fair compensation.
  • I seek mentorship and continuous learning opportunities to enhance my professional development.
  • I am resilient in the face of setbacks, knowing that each challenge presents an opportunity to advocate for change.
  • I am proactive in creating a positive and inclusive work culture where everyone feels empowered to advocate for themselves and others. 

Wellness Resources 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, free and confidential 24-hour support is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or call or text 988. 

Previous WWCode Wellness Toolkits 

Check out our previous toolkits to help you thrive in your personal life and your career! 

Stream the WWCode Wellness Playlist for March Now