Many women experience daily reminders that workplaces often overlook their needs. As we approach 2020, gender equality should be a given, yet issues like pay gaps, sexual harassment, and inadequate family leave persist.
Work environments typically cater to men, leaving women to deal with inconveniences. For instance, essential features like purse hooks are often missing in restrooms, and lockers are frequently tailored for men's suits.
We talked to five women about how their workplaces reflect male-centric norms. Here are their insights:
A Subtle Sign of Gender Bias
Janet* worked at a university that touted itself as progressive, yet she found a sign in the kitchen that read, “Your mother isn’t here. Please clean up after yourself.”
“I felt that sexism was inappropriate,” Janet shares. “So, I made a label saying, ‘Neither is your father,’ and placed it on the sign.”
Not in the Design Plan
At an environmental research nonprofit, Myla* witnessed a complete facility overhaul.
“They added many features but neglected to include hooks in bathroom stalls for women’s bags, which is a common oversight in many buildings,” she explains. “It seems like the male-dominated design teams don’t consider that women prefer to avoid setting their purses on unsanitary floors.”
“It’s a huge annoyance. Whenever I’m in a stall without a place to hang my bag, I know a man designed that restroom,” she adds.
Posture Perks Aren't Universal
Employers often emphasize ergonomic seating, yet many office chairs aren't suitable for everyone.
“I’ve used the Herman Miller Aeron chair, touted as the ultimate office chair. However, it only comes in three sizes, with the default being too big for my 5'4" stature,” notes Shana, a media and communications consultant.
“Even the most adaptable chairs can't help if they're oversized. Coupled with cubicle desks that are too high, maintaining proper posture is a challenge in most offices.”
Identity Issues
Elizabeth, an attorney in Tallahassee, feels the gender bias each time she wears a name tag at professional gatherings.
“Name tags with clips are designed for men’s suits,” she laments. “Women in professional dresses struggle to attach them except at the collar, if possible.”
Temperature Troubles
If you often feel chilly at work, especially during air conditioning season, you’re not alone.
“I reside in Los Angeles and I’m always bundled in a sweatshirt and scarf,” says Samantha, a moving image cataloger from California. “Even during a heatwave, I’m sipping hot tea while dressed warmly. It’s absurd.”
A study published in Nature Climate Change indicates that office thermostat settings are based on men's metabolic rates, leaving women, who generally have slower rates, feeling cold.
“In many buildings, energy consumption spikes because the standard settings are tailored to men’s body heat production,” reports Boris Kingma, co-author of the study, indicates.
*Names have been changed.
