Top Tips for Working Women in the UK & India – Part 2: Thriving, Not Just Surviving Published on PublicHealth360.com | July 2025

 Introduction

Welcome back to our empowering series for working women across the UK and India. Last month, we launched Part 1, exploring foundational strategies for balancing career demands, family responsibilities, and cultural expectations. In this extensive follow-up, we delve deeper—unpacking actionable insights that help you thrive at work, at home, and in between.

This article is for the ambitious engineer in Bengaluru, the rising finance associate in London, the healthcare professional in Delhi, or the social entrepreneur in Manchester. Wherever you are in your journey, these evidence-based, culturally relevant tips will help you:

• Set and defend healthy boundaries

• Advocate for fair compensation and recognition

• Build supportive mentorship circles

• Take command of your personal finances

• Leverage technology to maximize your time

• Strengthen your mental and physical well-being

🔹 1. Own Your Boundaries and Guard Your Time

Why It Matters

Today’s hybrid and remote working models bring flexibility—but also prolonged working hours, digital burnout, and constant context switching. For women, the pressure is often magnified by caregiving expectations at home.

UK: Defining Clear Work-Home Divides

UK employers increasingly support hybrid work schedules, yet many women struggle with "always-on" culture. Combat this by:

• Setting “do-not-disturb” status on Teams/Slack

• Temporarily disabling email notifications after hours

• Creating calendar slots labeled “Focus Time,” “Family Time,” or “Me Time”

These tools make your boundaries visible—and enforceable.

India: Carving Space in Shared Homes

Whether you’re in a nuclear or joint family, work-from-home often coincides with caregiving duty. You can:

• Designate a physical workspace—even a corner of a room—that signals to others, “I’m working.”

• Introduce shared household norms, like silent hours or meal-time visibility.

• Set your own workday schedule and hold firm on it—ideally 7–9 a.m. to 6–7 p.m.—to manage expectations.

Real-World Advice

• Time-block your calendar: Apps like Google Calendar or Clockify are ideal for structured routines. They help you compartmentalize focus blocks, family interactions, and self-care.

• Communicate early and often: Inform your manager and team of your working hours and your reasons. Transparency reinforces your boundaries.

🔹 2. Level-Up Your Salary & Promotion Negotiations

The Gender Wage Gap

Despite improvements, women in both countries still earn less than their male counterparts—over 7% less in the UK and up to 19% in India [based on recent surveys].

Getting Your Worth – The UK Perspective

• Research your industry and role using Glassdoor UK, PayScale, or Totaljobs.

• Document your contributions: savings, process improvements, leadership roles, plus metrics.

• Practice with tools like Let’s Practice Negotiation or gather peer feedback from professional groups.

• Structure a clear ask: base salary, bonus, equity, or promotion timeline with milestones.

Closing the Gap – The India Context

• In dynamic Indian job markets, modest raises are common—but persuasive requests can yield returns.

• Position requests around recent achievements, certifications, or leadership tasks you've taken on.

• Consider asking for upskilling support, performance bonuses, or flexible working perks if salary budgets are limited.

Success Formula

Approach negotiation as a business discussion, not a “personal ask.”

1. Start with facts—your measurable impact

2. Provide context—how it compares to market benchmarks

3. Ask confidently and calmly

4. Close with flexibility—options: salary vs. perks vs. Equity vs. hybrid arrangements

Sample Script

“Over the past six months, I led three major client projects that generated X revenue and cut delivery time by 20%. Based on PayScale UK and Totaljobs data, my current role aligns with £50–60K in average compensation. I would like to discuss adjusting my package to reflect that, or explore additional responsibilities linked to a promotion.”

🔹 3. Mentorship: Find It, Foster It, Be It

The Power of Mentorship

A strong mentorship network offers guidance, growth, and confidence. It’s especially potent for women navigating underrepresentation in leadership roles.

Navigating UK Mentorship Culture

• Join communities like Women in Business UK, Tech She Can, and Lean In Circles.

• Search for internal mentor programs—ask HR or use LinkedIn.

• Approach potential mentors with clarity: flattery + clear request (“Could we meet monthly to discuss leadership challenges?”).

Tapping India's Mentorship Ecosystem

• Digital platforms like SHEROES, HerKey (JobsForHer), and Women Who Code India make connections easier.

• Attend local networking events and alumni mixers.

• Don’t forget informal mentorship—ex-colleagues, professors, or friends in leadership can be hugely supportive.

Be a Mentor Too

• Mentorship isn’t just upward—it’s lateral and downward. Helping others reinforces your expertise and builds social capital.

• Mentor via volunteer programs, guest lectures, or company-internal groups.

Quick Wins in Mentorship

• Attend one networking event per quarter

• Reach out to one potential mentor per month

• Mentor someone in your field—even informal coffee chats count

🔹 4. Financial Literacy: Your Path to Independence

Why It Matters

Financial autonomy increases confidence and planning resilience—especially during career breaks, motherhood, or job transitions.

UK Financial Essentials

• Understand your pension options—auto-enrollment is a start, but consider voluntary contributions

• Utilize ISAs and euro-hedged investment funds via platforms like Nutmeg, Moneybox, and MoneySavingExpert

• Automate savings to tap into compound interest benefits early

India Investment 101

• Familiarize yourself with PPF, EPF, SIP, and mutual funds

• Use user-friendly apps—Groww, Zerodha, ET Money, and Paytm Money—to start small and regular

• Understand tax implications and legal protections (e.g., joint accounts, nominee clauses)

Action Steps

• Open a high-interest savings account or a recurring SIP

• Automate 10–20% of your salary to go directly into investments or savings

• Learn basics via webinars, blogs (e.g., ET Wealth, Mint, Moneycontrol) or courses like Coursera’s Financial Certification

• Periodically review and rebalance investments

🔹 5. Maximize Technology in Everyday Decisions

Digital Tools That Work for You

• Calendar & Admin: Google Calendar, Outlook, Clockify, and Pomodoro timers

• Project & Notes: Notion, Trello, Evernote, or Notability

• Writing & Summaries: Otter.ai for transcription, Grammarly for writing

• Expense Tracking: UK tools – Money Dashboard; India – Splitwise, Spendee, Monefy

Voice and AI Efficiency

• Use voice assistants to draft emails or capture quick ideas

• Try Zapier or IFTTT to automate repetitive processes—e.g. Slack to Google Sheets, email to task creation

• Use RSS/news aggregators like Feedly to keep up with industry news, not social noise

Real-Life Example

Ritu from Mumbai sets speech-to-text reminders while cooking, uses Evernote for meeting minutes, then imports tasks into Trello with Zapier—saving two hours a day.

🔹 6. Prioritize Mental Well-Being and Physical Fitness

The Burnout Dilemma

Burnout disproportionately affects working women juggling multiple roles—often leading to anxiety, fatigue, and confusion about next steps.

Tailored Techniques for Women

• Micro-breaks: Use the 52/17 rule—52 min work, 17 min break.

• Mindfulness apps: Headspace, Calm, Wysa (India), and InnerHour (India).

• Physical activity: Incorporate yoga, brisk walking, or at-home workout routines.

• Social connection: Schedule regular catch-ups with friends or join support groups.

UK Mental Health Resources

• Use Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) from your employer

• Join mind.org.uk, MIND ChatLINE, or Women’s Aid support groups

• Local programs like Couch to 5K, hiking meetups, or workplace wellness initiatives

India-Focused Care

• Use apps like Wysa, YourDOST, or InnerHour for affordable counseling

• Healthcare providers like NIMHANS Tele-Mental Health Program offer trusted support

• Join mental wellness circles or women-only yoga events

Integrative Wellness

• Use calendar reminders for short walks or breathing exercises

• Keep a gratitude journal—write 3 small wins per day

• If overwhelmed, consider professional help—therapy isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity

🔹 7. Network with Intention

Beyond LinkedIn

• In the UK, networks like Women in Business UK, Pro-Women Worlds, Tech She Can, and Meetup chapter events can boost your visibility.

• In India, mix offline and online—SHEROES, FWIC, and AIChE Chennai are vibrant communities offering both workshops and peer support.

Pro Tips

• Attend at least one event bi-monthly

• Bring value: ask questions, offer introductions, share resources

• Follow up within 48 hours: reference a topic you discussed, share an article

Digital Networking

• LinkedIn: write thoughtful comments, publish short “insight posts”

• Micro-blogging platforms (e.g., Twitter/X, Threads) focused on women’s leadership and health

🔹 8. Explore Side Hustles: Design a Second Income Stream

The Why & What of Side Hustles

A side hustle not only boosts income—it sharpens new skills, fuels passion, and diversifies career options.

Options to Consider

• Freelancing: writing, design, coding—via Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr

• Tutoring/Coaching: academic help or career coaching—platforms like Superprof, Udemy

• Creative Ventures: Etsy stores, Instagram boutiques, handcrafted goods

Tips to Make It Work

• Keep the “gig” small—2–3 hours/week to begin

• Leverage existing skills

• Test viability—settings like SMB lunch hours or online Q&A

• Eventually scale via automation and revenue tracking

📌 Selected Previous Articles on PublicHealth360.com

• Part 1: Top Tips for Working Women in the UK and India

• Work-Life Balance Strategies for Urban Women

• How to Prioritize Mental Health as a Working Woman

• Financial Independence for Career Women

These articles complement this guide—visit and share with your colleagues!

🙋‍♀️ FAQs: Top Questions for Working Women Across Cultures

Q1. “How can I negotiate better when managers never ask?”

Use your performance reviews—schedule a one-on-one, prepare evidence of your impact, compare salaries, then request changes or development steps.

Q2. “Is mentorship really worth it for career growth?”

Absolutely. Studies show mentorship improves clarity, resilience, and promotions. Even finding one peer mentor helps tremendously.

Q3. “I’m new to investing—where do I start?”

Start simple: SIP in mutual funds or low-cost index ETFs. Use round-up savings app features if available. You’ll build habit and confidence over time.

Q4. “How do I prevent burnout while working from home?”

Prepare micro-breaks (52/17), establish offline boundaries, and enjoy social connection—two weekly virtual coffee chats, or a short phone walk.

Q5. “Are side hustles realistic alongside a full-time job?”

Yes, if well-structured. Start small, track time and earnings, and expand only once it fits sustainably into your routine.

✅ Your Thrive Checklist

Goal	Action Step
Boundaries	Block personal and focus time every day
Negotiation	Research salary benchmarks and prepare ask
Mentorship	Attend one networking event each quarter
Finances	Automate 10–20% savings/investment monthly
Well-being	Use mindfulness app 3x/week
Side Project	Commit 2 hours/week on a passion project

Mark your progress—each check is a step toward real, sustainable success.

Conclusion: You Deserve to Thrive

Whether you’re in London or Lucknow, Bengaluru or Birmingham, your daily grind is worth celebrating—and elevating. By wielding boundaries, negotiation skills, financial smarts, mentorship support, and mindful tools, you create not just a career, but a meaningful, balanced life.

We hope this detailed part of our series helps you build foundations that empower rather than exhaust. Be sure to:

• Revisit Part 1 and our linked articles

• Share your insights on LinkedIn or social with #PublicHealth360thrive

• Subscribe for updates—Part 3: Mental Health Strategies lands soon