Women always end up having to deal with the repercussions of the society’s terrible mindset. The patriarchy, misogyny and the subtle sexist behavior is proof that women not only suffer directly, but end up being part of the problem. This is because it takes a lot of effort to constantly fight and ask for things that we already deserve, so it comes down to siding with the people in power. Being labeled as ‘the bitch at the workplace’ is one example.
It’s competitive for women everywhere, we constantly have to make waves and force people to hear us out. And no, this competition is not with men – because they already have it all. This is with other women. Consider musical chairs, only, men are already seated; so women do the fighting for the leftover space. Oh, and it’s not like we like to fight. It’s a game of survival, so if you want to exist in the race, you need to eliminate others who are in the same race. The problem here is the workplace that force women into putting other women down – or having to fight harder.
So, if you come across these signs at your workplace, they’re doing it too.
1. Your workplace doesn’t offer period leaves.
Period leaves are often made to sound like a perk or ‘something extra’ that companies do. Of course, this is when companies do offer them. There are a number of workplaces that are still not adept with the idea of menstruators taking time off from work, when the symptoms are too much to perform tasks. We’re talking about hormones at play, people. So, women who do end up asking for the time off are considered lazy or ‘difficult’, women who do not are almost acknowledged for fighting it through, and hence staying in the race. If that doesn’t sound like unhealthy competition, I don’t know what does.
2. Your workplace is easier on men.
We’ve all spotted men near the water coolers, discussing things that matter and don’t. At times, they get to crack jokes, socialize and not be very on-top of their assignments, because well, they’re ‘good at what they do’. This casual behavior in-turn creates an environment that is easier for them, and women have to anyway work harder because otherwise they aren’t heard. Let’s just face it, men don’t find it hard to be heard, and so, making it easier for them is just a way to make it tougher for women.
3. There are more men in leadership positions.
Yes, men too deserve leadership positions, and it should be based on merit. However, imagine being led by men and no woman in-charge. This just creates imbalance for the female employees in the office. It’s not particularly because women have anything against ‘all men’, it just means that there is lack of representation. How can you expect your issues to be addressed if the people in power don’t even know they exist? That’s what lack of women or representation in leadership positions does to workplaces.
4. Your workplace is worried about women being in relationships.
There are legit scenarios where firms take interest in the relationship status of their employees, especially women. This is done to find out if “she’ll be invested in the job or not”. A serious relationship in case of women is often looked at as a ‘diversion’ from work. It’s also assumed that if a woman is married, she would consider wanting a family, and the company will have to ‘adjust’. So, women end up having to focus on one thing – either their work or their personal lives, because apparently, we can’t do both.
5. People casually pass sexist comments, and they’re not called out for it.
We’ve all been there when a fellow employee passes sexist comments – a giggle here and there, with a “it was just a joke” later. It’s not okay. What’s worse is when they’re not held accountable for it, or expected to change their behaviour. This just creates an environment where women aren’t taken seriously, and so, they end up having to find ways to ‘SEEK attention’. It’s not our fault when we do that, it’s the people who push us into doing that who need to change.
6. They don’t hire women for ‘specific positions’.
At times, workplaces share vacancies in specific positions that are not open to women. They also offer excuses like “it’ll require you to work late”, “it’s an on-field job”, and more. They come with the idea that women just can’t do what men can, instead of making it a fair space for both to co-exist. This also means that women in these workplaces have to prove a point each time they work with men. In proving their point, they even have to compete with other women.
7. Your workplace likes to pitch women against each other.
Without even describing ways, we all know of instances in life where women are pitched against each other. People do it so often that we don’t even realize it when it’s happening at times. This is one of the simplest ways in which employers and offices create a toxic environment for women, and among them. It’s also easier to break someone when they’re standing alone. So, if you fight harder for something you deserve, you become the office bitch.
8. Men recycle your ideas or build up on them.
If you’ve noticed men taking your brilliant ideas and adding their ‘flair’ to turn it into something of their own, then there’s something very wrong with your workplace. It happens often, where a man takes what you pitched, ‘corrects it’ and eventually gets to work on it. This also comes in forms of mansplaining and the hero complex. So, if your employers or superiors don’t notice it, it’s not that they don’t see it – they just don’t want the ‘drama’ of shutting it down.
9. After a maternity break, your responsibilities are passed on to someone else.
It’s a common practice of workplaces to hand over projects or accounts to other employees of a woman on maternity leave, before she gets back to work. Some places even hire other people for the same role, and two people end up showing up for the same work. They don’t suggest that you leave, but you notice signs of being replaced. You’re told, “you’ll get there”, “it’ll take time to catch up to speed”, “oh, let him help you with this account” – and then you’re left with no work. How safe does that feel in a competitive office space?
10. Favoritism.
It’s normal to like someone’s work or ethic more than the others in a team. However, when a superior always shows favouritism in handing responsibilities to someone they like more, acknowledging only them or even just comparing you with other women, then that’s just a way to make you feel that you’re doing something wrong. Most times, we end up disliking the woman who is being given all the good work, when it’s not her fault that the employer is unprofessional.
If you notice these signs, “Run and don’t look back!”
