In many ways, being a woman in the workplace is easier than it used to be. We have legal protections and policies in place, more flexible work arrangements enabled by technology, and we’ve noticed cultural shifts and the normalization of women in leadership. Still, despite all these advancements, discrimination continues. Here are five common signs that you’re being discriminated against in the workplace because you’re a woman:
You Don’t Have the Same Pay or Opportunities
Now could be the right time to contact a San Diego harassment lawyer if you believe that you’re receiving unequal pay or opportunities due to your gender. For example, you might have noticed that your male coworkers with similar or less experience are earning more than you for the same role. You might even discover that the men in your workplace are being promoted more quickly, while you’re being told to prove yourself more.
Unequal workloads can also be a sign of discrimination. In your workplace, women may be assigned administrative tasks, such as organizing events and taking notes, while men are given higher-visibility projects.
Being Ignored or Dismissed
While proving discrimination through being ignored or dismissed can be tougher, there are undoubtedly several examples of this. You may even relate to many of them. For example, you suggest something in a meeting and it’s ignored, but a man repeats it and gets all the credit.
Constant interruptions can also be a sign of discrimination, such as a male colleague regularly talking over you or interrupting you with little or no correction from leadership. Some women also encounter ‘tone policing.’ This can mean that you’re told you’re too emotional or too aggressive when you assert yourself.
Unequal Treatment
While many men would overlook workplace inequality, it can be obvious to women. Appearance standards are just one example of many. Some women are judged more on how they dress or look than on their performance. There can also be double standards in terms of behavior. Men can be praised for being decisive and confident, but in women, it can be seen as abrasive, abrupt, and bossy.
Exclusion from Opportunities
As a hard-working employee, you’re deserving of many of the same opportunities as your colleagues. Yet, that’s not every woman’s experience. Some are left out of informal networking opportunities, like client dinners and after-hours events. Information gatekeeping can also be at play, meaning you’re not included in email chains or settings that may affect your work or advancement.
Hostile Behavior and Harassment
While some forms of workplace discrimination are subtle, others are more obvious. Many women are subjected to sexist remarks and jokes, unwelcome physical contact or advances, and even retaliation when they speak up. This means that you’re isolated, treated coldly, or penalized for reporting any bias or harassment.
This harassment may seem uncommon, but it’s not. Between 2018 and 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 98,411 charges alleging harassment, and 27,291 of those involved sexual harassment.
For many, being a woman in the workplace is far easier now than ever before, but that’s not everyone’s experience. Thousands of women are still dealing with forms of harassment in their place of business every day, including those examples above.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
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