Leveling the playing field—at home and at work.
The organization is broken. Decades of research show how women struggle to grow in their careers and move up into leadership positions, in part due to demands outside of work.
But it's not working for men either. Men want to be equal partners, present parents, and active community members outside of their careers. The "ideal worker" norms of the traditional workplace, though, expect men to be present and available 24/7. This disconnect means that even when men try to take part in flexible work arrangements, they're often stigmatized, leaving women to take up the slack and, again, miss out on professional opportunities.
If companies want to reach their full potential and achieve true fairness at work, the workplace must change—and it starts at the top. In this book, gender-in-the-workplace experts W. Brad Johnson and David G. Smith offer a blueprint for how leaders can break down systemic barriers across the organization, from culture to policies, so that men can do more outside of paid work—and women can take their place in leadership.
Filled with examples and interviews with both men and women, Fair Share offers a look at what organizations can become when leaders finally break down the obstacles holding everyone back. By working together, men and women can create a better workplace, one where every individual can achieve what they want—at work and at home.
"With nearly three-quarters of today's workforce juggling caregiving responsibilities—from childcare to aging care to the growing ranks of sandwiched caregivers managing both—Fair Share could not be more timely. Smith and Johnson cut through decades of stalled progress to show us what genuine structural change looks like: workplaces redesigned around the reality of how people actually live, not outdated perceptions of the 'ideal worker.' This book makes clear that supporting caregivers isn't a perk or a kindness—it's a business imperative. Packed with research, practical strategies, and a compelling vision for a more caring future, Fair Share is essential reading for any leader ready to build a workplace where both careers and families can flourish."
“Fair Share is the book leaders need right now. Johnson and Smith offer a clear, courageous roadmap for redesigning work so both women and men can thrive. This is actionable, research-rich guidance for any organization serious about unlocking its full potential. A must-read for leaders who want workplaces that work.”
"Fair Share is a blueprint for building a future where caregiving and leadership go hand in hand. Brad Johnson and David Smith show that when responsibility is shared at home, opportunity expands at work. When men step into care, women can rise in leadership, and everyone thrives. This is how we create workplaces that work for all of us, not just some of us.”
“Fair Share brings decades of research into sharp focus by showing that gender inequality at work is not a women’s problem, but an organizational one rooted in outdated assumptions about work and caregiving. Johnson and Smith offer a clear, practical roadmap for leaders who are ready to redesign work itself—rather than asking individuals to contort themselves around a broken system. By engaging men as full partners in this effort, the book shows how organizations can create more equitable—and more sustainable—outcomes for everyone."
"Fair Share is a readable and wonderfully hands-on guide to creating a gender-fair and care-friendly workplace, perfect for everyone in the C-suite and managers throughout an organization who realize both the business case and the human case for creating an environment that works for the 21st-century talent pool."
“Fair Share is a practical and inspiring roadmap for leaders who want workplaces where everyone can thrive. Johnson and Smith blend research, real-world examples, and actionable tools that any executive can put to work immediately. As a former CHRO, I value how clearly they connect equity to performance, trust, and culture. This is a must-read for leaders at every level.”
"At Great Place to Work, we annually survey over 2 million people in 170 countries, and they all tell us the same thing. They want to work in an organization that cares for them as a person, not an employee. They trust a workplace that provides benefits, training, and flexibility based on what each of them needs to reach their full potential at work and beyond. Our research shows that these organizations deliver 8.5 times more revenue per employee than average workplaces. Johnson and Smith show that redesigning work for fairness is a leadership imperative that unlocks opportunity, shared caregiving, and sustainable performance for everyone. This book belongs on every executive's desk as a practical blueprint for building organizations where talent can thrive."
