GLS
Consulting, Inc. 59% of women reported that they are treated equally or fine, while 31% of women reported that they are not treated the same including having a lower compensation package, or being treated differently as single women or women with children.
Women who reported that they are treated equally
or fine talked about the perks of being in the new economy:
“Knowledge workers are ageless,
gender-less, and encouraged to create a balanced work/home life.
“On a completely equal
footing.”
“All equal; great flexibility;
enormous responsibility and accountability demanded by me for that
flexibility.”
Women who reported inequality and discrimination cited
several types of discrimination:
·
Discrimination against women:
“A strong woman has a tough road. High expectations of staff are thought of as “demanding” but when men in the firm expect it, it’s just “normal.”
·
Discrimination against mothers or parents:
“ I would say mothers in the
workforce are the most discriminated against of any category going.”
“Frankly, I tend not to hire
people with young families.”
·
Discrimination against single people:
“Since I am single I believe
there are subtle messages given that my free time is less valuable and less
structured (and THUS, “more” free) than those with kids… It’s
frustrating!”
“Singles or
those without kids are discriminated against for late work assignments as thy
are seen as not having the same obligations/responsibilities for their lives.”
·
Age discrimination:
“Sometimes (treated) like old-timers. The younger generation think they know everything and are not willing to learn from the experiences of those that have been around the workforce for 20+ years.”
“Discarded. I felt a real age
bias when I turned 40. Not so much discrimination being female, but an older
female..”
Summary of how women perceive
they are treated:
Women consistently
reported a reduction in stereotyping women, however, many would say that the
gender issues have emerged in the new economy, only they look a little different
than in traditional companies. In new economy companies the inappropriate
behavior is excused because the leaders are so young and inexperienced, or
because everyone is under such stress that you have to give people leeway when
they behave in “old” ways.
What is surprising is that almost a third of the women do not think they are treated equally, however, this is not necessarily a gender issue. In addition, women are not a monolithic group as we might think. Working mothers think that their role is the most difficult, while single women think they are being taken advantage of, and worry that they haven’t energy needed to develop a significant relationship. Older women worry that they will be seen as dinosaurs rather than as people who have significant wisdom.