For the month of March, we’ve been celebrating Women’s History Month with features highlighting women in business, local women-led businesses, and organizations for women by women. Speaking on the successes and achievements of women is one of the most important things we can do to not only educate others but to lift each other up. Today women are still fighting against issues within the workplace. Here are just a few of those challenges and possible solutions:
Representation
Female representation in higher-level positions within companies continues to be a challenge for women to overcome. Although it has improved as courageous women break the glass ceiling and land high-powered positions within top corporations, there is still a mighty gap to overcome as men continue to obtain these roles at a much higher percentage. For women wanting to take a step and move up within a company, it can be discouraging to see so little representation at the top and as they face barriers in their own companies. Women make up less than 5% of CEOs and less than 10% of the top earners. This is where companies must step up and #breakthebias by offering more leading roles to females. Representation is everything.
Gender Pay Gap
We hear and see this too often within the workplace: the gender pay gap. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, it’s there. Women make only $0.82 cents for every $1 men make. While we did see improvement before the pandemic hit, it seems that we are at a stand-still in progress towards this ongoing issue. When we factor in age and race, the gap becomes larger. What can companies do to solve this problem? Make wages the same for men and women based on experience and job title.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a widespread problem for women on the job and happens much more common to women than men. This type of harassment can lead to depression, high anxiety, or the urge to quit a job to avoid the harassment. It’s often difficult for a woman to report sexual harassment for fear they won’t be believed, that the company will not take action, that they’ll lose their job, or that the harasser will retaliate with no repercussions. Companies must ensure that they take claims seriously and act upon each complaint given. They should also implement strategies to educate their employees about sexual harassment and how to see the signs that someone they work with is a victim of these issues.
Discrimination
Discrimination within the workplace is an ongoing issue for women with many subcategories such as race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, and women who are facing medical issues. Thousands of reports are made each year from women being discriminated against due to these many issues and with many losing their jobs despite being the victim. While men suffer discrimination as well, it’s important to remember that women face it on a much larger scale. What can employers do to curve this issue? Education is a step in the right direction. Understanding and listening to the challenges women face and having empathy can change the discrimination gap and make women feel safe in the workplace.
At DYE CULIK PC, we’re celebrating women this month and every month by applauding our female-led businesses and heroes in entrepreneurial leadership roles. If you need help or legal advice for your business, you can contact us or give us a call at 980-999-3557. Also, follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on CLT small businesses.