Addressing Gender Bias in the Workplace: Strategies to Speak Up

Instances of gender bias, though often subtle, can significantly affect our careers. It's essential to create a healthier workplace culture for women.

Have you ever been the one taking notes in meetings when it wasn’t your responsibility? Or perhaps you missed out on an assignment because your boss presumed you were too busy with family? Two-thirds of women report encountering similar sexist experiences at work, which range from being interrupted to facing outright harassment.

Confronting such behavior can feel daunting, especially when it's subtle. However, silence isn't an option, particularly in 2022. Microaggressions can seriously harm women’s careers and mental wellness. So, what are the best ways to address these issues, support colleagues, and initiate real change?

This episode features guests with extensive experience tackling these challenges. Katie Lacey and Lori Tauber Marcus have held executive roles at prominent companies like PepsiCo and Peloton Interactive. They are also part of the Band of Sisters, a group of six executive women who co-wrote the book, You Should Smile More: How to Dismantle Gender Bias in the Workplace.

Katie and Lori share their insights on common microaggressions women face in their careers and the importance of addressing them. While it might seem easier to ignore sexist remarks, doing so can have lasting negative effects.

“You need to recognize these moments,” Katie emphasizes. “If you dismiss every instance, nothing will change. Eventually, you might explode over something minor, and that’s not healthy. You have to take action.”

One notable microaggression discussed is exclusion from workplace social events. What should you do if you’re not included in after-work gatherings? Katie and Lori suggest showing up anyway, and don’t hesitate to bring a friend. They also highlight how men can be allies and how managers can step up to address these issues, rather than placing the burden solely on women.

They also share thoughts on the current job market. Over half of women are considering leaving their jobs within two years, seeking companies that truly value and promote their growth. They advise checking a company’s diversity statistics to assess its genuine support for women.

“Evaluate representation not just by position but also by function,” Lori recommends. “Look at P&L owners and general management roles; they are critical to a company’s success.”

In our Mailbag segment, we assist a father with financial advice for his three daughters and provide another listener with tips on negotiating benefits at a new job. Plus, in Thrive, we explore ways to safeguard against inflation and share findings from the State of Women 2022.

Discover more about Katie, Lori, and the Band of Sisters on their website.