Is there any gender bias in your workplace? Are you certain if your answer is "no"?

Gender equality is a major topic these days. And in a field like IT, where the majority of employees are men, it's easier to overlook gender prejudices. When these prejudices are present, the workplace can become heated, and litigation might ensue. But, litigation aside, it's important to remember that gender bias is a type of prejudice and discrimination that has no place in the workplace. With that said, how do you recognize prejudices in a predominantly male-dominated field so they can be addressed? Even though it shouldn't be difficult, it's astonishing how often these things go missing.

In a male-dominated profession like travel- technology, it's easy to overlook gender biases. How do you spot them? Take a look at 10 kinds of gender bias you might encounter and what you can do to prevent them. This occurrence ranges from simple to complex.

1. Unequal pay

Not a new topic, yet there is still a long way to go when it comes to gender-based. Allowing gender to play a role in pay makes you a part of the problem.

2. Interview questions

Questions about family and family life in interviews should be avoided–and in certain cases, forbidden. Consider whether you do interviews differently for men and women. Do you ask ladies, "Do you have children?" or "Are you planning to have children?" These questions have no place in an interview. If you think these questions are outdated, you seriously have to go out and ask your surroundings.

3. Reduced responsibilities

This is the kind of subtle gender bias that teaches employees to tolerate inequality. The same can be said for normal job obligations. Give everyone equal responsibility if you have two equally qualified administrators, one male and one female. Period.

4. The Restrooms Issue 

I've worked in a handful of jobs where it's evident that men make up the majority of the workforce. All you have to do is enter the restroom to discover this. The female administrators and engineers are not your mothers or servants.

5. Speaking style

In the workplace, adopt a gender-neutral style of conversation. If you find that your style differs between conversations, make adjustments. This doesn't mean you should start speaking to everyone as if you are speaking to a man. But if you find your style is suited only for male companies, that is what you need to address.

6. Glass ceiling

Is it possible for your male and female staff to progress at the same rate? If not, what is the reason? What makes a man or a woman more qualified to advance in your company? If all other factors are equal, men and women should be able to achieve their full potential.

7. Gender biased profession

What qualifies a woman for a position as a secretary or receptionist? Why should that role not be filled by a man? Gender discrimination is pervasive in all types of enterprises. Be open to men filling traditionally female roles and women filling traditionally male positions. Our PR partner, male recently nearly apologised for working in the field as it is a mainly female-dominated profession. He has probably been exposed to this bias more than one time. 

8. Employee terminations must be handled without prejudice. Both genders should be subject to the same rules and procedures.

9. Legacy views

Legacy systems = legacy views I used to work for a corporation that required women to wear dresses and stockings. There was no dress code, so everyone was expected to wear khakis and button-down shirts.

10. Sexual Harassment

The danger zone of gender prejudice is harassment, which is frequently disregarded or not even recognized. Sexual harassment should not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Have you ever witnessed biases? Share your experience with the RAIZUP Community. 

Do you need support in transforming your workplace culture? Reach out to our consulting team. 

Want to share your opinion on our public platform? Join our signature broadcast Revenue HACKS LIVE, Wednesday March 9 2 pm GMT, 9 am EST, 6 pm GST Live to discuss #BreakingTheBias Live on LinkedIn, YouTube and twitter

Rita Varga
CEO
RAIZUP