Blog Post: Women In The Workplace - Yikes, How Things Have Changed (Or Have They?)

I know that I promised to post a series of blogs about dresscodes, and I will get back to that.  But, an interview on NPR started me thinking about gender in the workplace.  Consider these excerpts:

"A special report in this week's Time Magazine finds that American women have made huge strides in the workplace since those days. By years end, for example, women will make up more than half the workforce. That persistent wage gap is still there, but it's closed significantly. And Time's poll found more than three quarters of adults say that's good for both society and the economy.

...both men and women say their employers have not done enough to accommodate a world where 70 percent of American families have a working mom."

The statistics are interesting.  What do we do with them?  Should employers allow employees to work flexible schedules?  Increase paid leave to allow employees to deal with family issues?  What about employees without traditional families? Should they be allowed flexibility, too?

As an employer and a mother, I see both sides of this argument.  I have no answers.  Instead of pretending like I have it all figured out, I will urge you all, as HR professionals, employees and employers, to consider where we were and where we are, with the issue of gender in the workplace.  I will suggest that we have made strides, and that there is work yet to be done. 

If you'd like to read more, the Talk of the Nation interview is located here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113939266&ft=1&f=1006

And the Time Magazine issue is located here:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1930277,00.html

This article is intended as a general discussion and information on the topic covered, and is not to be construed as rendering legal advice. If legal advice is needed, you should consult an attorney. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the author.

Laura J. Hazen is a Director at Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, P.C. In her employment practice, Hazen provides day-to-day advice and coaching to public and private companies on various employment matters. She also has an active litigation practice where she concentrates on representing business in all aspects of complex business and employment disputes. You can contact her by email at lhazen@irelandstapleton.com or by phone at 303-623-2700.