There is a huge disparity in how men and women are treated in the workplace. Being a man seems to mean that you are inherently worthy of respect, your opinions are given credence, and you are often seen as more professional.
Women, on the other hand, are seen as less capable on almost all fronts. Inequality is even clear in the gender pay gap. This can be incredibly disheartening to women with career goals, especially those who find themselves working in male-dominated fields. How are you meant to be taken seriously and get noticed? Keep reading to find out more.
Don’t Expect Things To Suddenly Change
Truthfully, while strides have been made towards equality, it is by no means here. It might also sound counterproductive but highlighting the inequity in your workplace is likely to be seen by your male colleagues and managers as complaining; they often mistake asking for equal treatment as asking for preferential treatment.
Instead of being vocal about the disparity and expecting fairness, you should think about subtly changing their perceptions of you by being more assertive and demonstrating your capabilities.
Look For Ways To Differentiate Yourself From Your Colleagues
If you want to be noticed, you need to find ways to set yourself apart. You can do this in some ways. Depending on the industry that you work in, you might want to do everything you can to keep up with industry news and innovation.
You could also take online courses and gain certificates to help you in your job. The University of Cape Town offers a range of business leadership online short courses that could be beneficial.
Refuse To Be Side-Lined
Being side-lined often comes naturally to women who don’t seem to feel the need to posture as much in the workplace. This means that they go unnoticed. Simply doing a good job should be enough to get you noticed, but it isn’t.
As a woman, calling attention to your achievements can feel a little alien, but sometimes it is necessary. When you are complimented for your work, don’t minimise it.
It is easy to dismiss compliments because they can feel a little uncomfortable to receive, but you deserve acknowledgment. If you have something important or relevant to add to a meeting or discussion, then speak up, don’t wait for someone else to bring it up.
Try To Be Level-Headed & Calm
Work is a common cause of stress, affecting different people differently. Many women react emotionally to stress, whether that is displaying frustration through raising their voice, snapping at colleagues, or perhaps even crying.
These emotional displays in the workplace are to be avoided at all costs; they do nothing except reinforce the idea that women are hysterical and overly emotional.
A male display of emotion, however, is often just seen as a demonstration of passion, and this makes him more admirable. The double standard is alive and well. You must consistently do your best to be calm while at work; meditation and stress management techniques can help.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Criticism And Feedback
While not every piece of feedback or criticism you are likely to receive will be fair or justified but, for the most part, they should be seen as an opportunity to improve and grow within the business.
Some take a more antiquated view of women, thinking they cannot handle feedback because they are ‘too delicate’. Seek out criticism and feedback; it demonstrates your desire to improve and be taken seriously and shows your willingness to learn. Being receptive, accepting and even welcoming of criticism shows resilience too.
Physical Presentation Still Matters
Arguably, one of the biggest deciding factors in how you will be perceived in the workplace is how you look. Women are often typecast before they even open their mouths. It is hard to offer any general advice in this regard because different companies obviously operate differently with their own cultures, priorities and dress codes.
Either way, you should always do your best to look and act professionally, avoiding over or underdressing. Sometimes it can be beneficial to model your style after a well-respected woman in the business.
To Conclude
Navigating the world as a woman is far more nuanced than for men, which is simply the truth. To that end, fostering more self-confidence is incredibly important. However, as a woman, it is often about finding the line.
If you’re too confident, then you’re arrogant. If you are quiet, you’re a pushover; but if you’re loud, then you are aggressive. Truthfully, it can often feel like you can’t win, but you can with the right approach, which is where the above tips come in.
