All employees deserve equal treatment at their place of work, but many do not receive the treatment they deserve. Unfortunately, sexual discrimination is a persistent issue in workplaces across the U.S., and it can take various forms.
Sex discrimination is not always obvious, but knowing what to look for can help you effectively address issues should they arise.
Unequal pay
In many instances, women receive less pay than their male counterparts for performing the same job. Wage gaps are a clear example of sexual discrimination that affects women’s financial well-being while also decreasing morale. When calculating pay, employers must account for experience and ability, as opposed to basing rates on gender.
Promotion denial
In workplaces, those making decisions regarding promotions must do so fairly and justly. That means they should not consider a person’s sex when promoting staff members. Unfair promotion practices highlight how bias can limit career growth and opportunities within a company, despite a person’s skills and dedication.
Harassment and hostile work environment
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that creates a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment can involve jokes, unwanted sexual advances and innuendos. It can also entail offers of raises and promotions in exchange for sexual favors.
Unequal workload
In some workplaces, women may be unfairly burdened with a heavier workload compared to their male colleagues. This can occur when employers expect women to take on additional tasks or responsibilities, such as office housework or administrative duties, simply because of their gender.
Stereotyping and biased decision-making
Stereotyping based on gender can also lead to sexual discrimination. For example, a manager may assume that female employees do not have the same level of commitment as their male staff, leading to biased decision-making.
As reported by NASDAQ, 55% of American workers have experienced discrimination at their current place of work. While it is up to employers to create friendly and inclusive environments for staff, employees should also understand discrimination to protect their best interests.
