College is done. You are feeling smart and confident, thanks to your high grades. You’ve got a job in a big-shot company and you feel like you are on top of the world when you begin your first day at work. It doesn’t get better than this. Trust us, it doesn’t. Because from day one of your new job, you encounter that invisible glass ceiling, that seen, yet unreachable barrier that keeps many qualified women from gaining entry into the upper echelons. Nobody will admit to it, but it’s there. And oddly enough, it starts with the little things, which you never notice in your excitement to climb to the top and then boom! You’ve hit the glass ceiling. So here are seven of those little things that you will encounter right from day one, that tend to boomerang if you don’t deal with it immediately. Deal with them now to make your ride up the ladder a little easier.
Salary Difference: Not all companies follow this at trainee level, but by mid level it is pretty much set in. If you are earning lesser than your male counterparts despite possessing similar experience, qualifications and skill sets, then don’t hesitate to take it to the HR and demand equal pay. If you don’t correct this in the beginning, you will be underpaid all your life. Do your research well and cross check properly before you take up the issue though.
Sexist Jokes: You are making inroads in a domain that many men think is rightfully theirs. With that attitude come other things, like ignoring the feminine presence in the team to the point of making crass and offensive jokes, sometimes indirectly at you. “Aurat na…aisi cheez hoti hai ki…” or “Why are all you women like this?” Bottom line is that you will be spending many working hours with this man and it is not fair to you to have to put up with offensive behavior. Tell him firmly but politely that while you do respect his experience and abilities, you are offended and put off by his jokes. He will be taken aback at first and try to defend himself, but he will start being careful around you.
Bullying: There is a fair amount of bullying that happens at most work places. Sometimes it’s done unknowingly and sometimes it’s deliberate. It could be either fashion shaming or body shaming. There have also been cases where the newcomer in the team was forced to take up smoking because the rest of the team would only discuss strategy over a smoke. Or insist that you work the weekend because you are single and ‘have no life’. Behaviour like this requires a two-pronged approach. Ignore the taunts initially and if you don’t react, they may get bored and back off. But also simultaneously work on your issues and low self esteem. Come to terms with your size. It’s okay. The work you do matters more here. And everybody is entitled to dress the way they want to, as long as it doesn’t defy office dress code. Don’t be anxious to make friends. Take your time. Let your work speak for yourself and you will be fine.
Sub-standard work doles: If you are stuck with that annoying male boss who speaks patronisingly to you and gives you ‘easy work’ and odd jobs, because you are a woman, while your male counterparts are given all the exciting projects, then in you’re in for a long, tiring ride. Talk to your boss and explain your interest in taking up other kinds of projects. If he still patronises you, then approach the HR and ask for a shift from that team. But that may backfire because if the shift doesn’t happen and your boss comes to know, you are in a worse situation. Another option would be to switch jobs and start afresh, but not always.
Sexual Harassment: Never ever put up with sexual harassment. You are a woman and you have been hired for your mental abilities that have nothing to do with your gender. If your senior, co-worker or boss is acting too hands-on with you, ask them to back off. If that doesn’t work, then escalate your complaint in the company. Every company should compulsorily have a complaint system for sexual harassment.
Mr. Johnny Bravo: These guys are the types who often thump their chest and think you are the frail woman who needs help all the time. Sure it’s nice when they open doors for you, but when they grab your wallet and offer to count out the notes because they think you’re mathematically challenged, it’s time to ditch them. This type will make you feel very claustrophobic in the long run.
Harassed Motherhood: You are probably dreading the night feeding and other things that come with a baby. But if you have a patriarchal boss, then the baby might seem very welcome in comparison. Many bosses not only act grumpy when women take maternal leave because they have to find replacement, but they will also try to work you to death before you go on your leave. Or when they criticize your work, it may be accompanied by riders like, “Now that you’ve gotten pregnant, even this work will stop soon and you will just sit at home.” Do not take it lying down. This time, you can play the pregnancy card. If not with your boss, then with your company admin.
More on>> Careers
