Is there sexism floating around in your office…under the disguise of a joke?    There are many ways managers and staff offend and impact the productivity of women in the workplace.  Since women are integral and important members of a team, is it important to be aware of any form of sexism in the workplace?

• In the U.S. it’s a manager’s legal responsibility…few managers understand the liability attached to their role.
• It makes sense if you want high performers on your team, you will do whatever it takes to not let “anything” interfere with the performance of the employees.

Check out “Start-ups urged to address low level sexism” by Michelle Hammond on Startupsmart.com.

Businesses are being urged to address “low level sexism” in the workplace, after a Melbourne Business School report found companies only have policies to target “overt” sexual harassment.

Anytime a joke is made at the expense of another person, then the person who told it should be made aware of their behavior.  Interesting, even negative statements an employee makes about themselves should be discouraged.   Be a manager who does whatever you can to insure that all members of the team and in the company are respected.

This is when “zero” tolerance for sexism in any form is the best policy.

Managers are concerned that humor is different…it’s not.   Fun can be had in a workplace without using others as a butt of the joke.  As Michelle Hammond stated:  “It merely indicates that it is time to learn a few new jokes.”

Be well,

Pat