What is the Role of Women in the Workplace?

From time to time I post a guest blog on an issue important to workplace ethics. "The Role of Women in the Worplace" is such an issue. The blog below comes from Sarah Brooks. Her contact information is below.

The role of women in the workplace continues to evolve, with female staff accounting for nearly half of all earners.  In addition to greater representation overall, women continue to advance their positions in the business hierarchy, holding coveted jobs at all levels of the corporate structure.  In fact, women are the primary breadwinners for more and more families, challenging the traditional notion of stay at home moms.

While the complexion has changed dramatically for women in business; old habits die hard.  Despite earning their place in the workforce, women are still faced with disadvantages, as compared to men.  In some cases, for example, their work is marginalized by male colleagues who are not yet committed to equality and respect for women in the workplace.  In other examples, women are seen to work harder for the same recognition given to men.  And in some of the worst ethical breakdowns workers face, women are subjected to harassment on the job.

As the wheels of change roll forward, workplace diversity is the new standard, so organizations proactively integrating women into workforce have an advantage over those slow to recognize the value of women in the workplace. Creating an employment environment that embraces women's contributions starts with teaching employees to respect women.

Show Them How it's Done

Individual managers and executives furnish reference points for subordinate employees, who turn to higher-ups for their workplace cues. As a result, staff emulates management's approach toward women on the job. The acts of individuals are capable of undermining a positive corporate culture, so organizations are most successful enacting zero-tolerance policies toward discrimination and harassment.  Managers supporting respectful policies, for example, should never engage in inappropriate conduct that objectifies or diminishes other employees, even if it undertaken as a joke.  And an even hand should be applied to personnel matters, without regard for gender.

Leading with a respectful attitude toward women supports an organizational culture that holds to the same values, so each business leader shares responsibility for empowering women to succeed.  Once engrained in an organization, respectful treatment of women is easier to sustain.

Policies and Discipline

Conflict arises over women in the workplace, so organizations must be prepared to address issues as they arise.  Strong corporate policies and swift acts of discipline support a diverse workplace, so companies that act decisively are most welcoming to women.  On the other hand, organizations that turn their back on unacceptable behavior enable offenders, creating a culture of disrespect toward female employees.

Consistent enforcement of zero-tolerance policies set a precedent, which eventually deters bad behavior.  By nipping disrespect in the bud, employers illustrate their commitment to incident-free work environments for women.

Sensitivity Training

Strong ethics and commitment to equality are central features of work environments free of gender-bias.  But in order to create lasting respect for women; the message must be spread uniformly throughout an organization.  Formal sensitivity, or diversity, training adds credibility to the argument, borrowing from outside resources to support an organization's position.  Professional trainers are able to express new ideas or illustrate concepts in ways employees have not previously considered.  By personalizing the roles of women and minorities in the workplace, sensitivity trainers help employees communicate better and understand one another's needs. 

Teaching employees to respect women is an important responsibility of modern employers, as they respond to ever-changing gender dynamics in the workplace.  Through strong policies and enforcement, as well as leading by example; forward-thinking organizations illustrate their commitment to equality.

Guest Blog posted by Steve Mintz, aka Ethics Sage, on June 2, 2014

Author Bio:

This is a guest post by Sarah Brooks from people search. She is a Houston based freelance writer and blogger. Questions and comments can be sent to brooks.sarah23 @ gmail.com.