6 Unique Challenges Women Face in the Workplace

Even in the 21st century, women face a variety of challenges in the everyday workplace. Unfortunately, these issues get overlooked far too often. When we aren’t actively discussing the modern challenges women have to deal with, it’s easy for people to think they aren’t major problems. 

For women, that means it takes longer for active, sustainable changes to take place in the workplace. 

Awareness is the first step in changing the face of workplace culture and fostering equality. With that in mind, let’s take a look at six unique challenges women face in the workplace.

1. Stereotypes

Gender bias is alive and well in many of today’s work environments. It’s especially apparent when women are in leadership positions and have to be assertive. Far too often, their leadership skills are suggested to be pushy or bossy. Women who show a strong presence in leadership can be stereotyped as being unlikeable. 

2. Unequal Pay

Perhaps the most well-known challenge women face in the workplace is the gender pay gap. While it obviously isn’t true for every company, the average woman still only makes about 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. 

This problem isn’t simply unfair — it’s unjust. It harms the overall well-being of women in the workplace, can instantly create a negative environment, and can cause women to feel that they aren’t truly valued wherever they work. 

3. Underrepresentation

While diversity issues in the average workplace are changing, they are still a problem. It’s not uncommon for women to feel like they don’t have representation or support where they work if they’re part of the minority. This becomes an even bigger problem for women of color who might feel marginalized when working with a group of men. 

Underrepresentation also often leads to a lack of mentorship. One of the best ways to get ahead in the workplace is to step under the wing of someone who has experience. If women aren’t given that opportunity because they aren’t properly represented within a business, it can feel like there is little room for growth.

4. Sexual Harassment

Multiple studies have shown that women deal with sexual harassment in the workplace more often than men. 

A lot of the issues listed above factor into this problem. When women aren’t represented strongly enough in the workplace, it can make some people feel as though they can get away with sexual discrimination or harassment. Women might feel like they can’t speak up or even create a safe and comfortable work environment for themselves because they risk losing their jobs. 

5. Higher Expectations

Ironically, even though women are typically paid less than men, it’s not uncommon for the standards of women in the workplace to be higher. Women tend to face a higher level of scrutiny for things at work than their male counterparts. 

That creates more imbalance and inequality. It also can create a toxic work environment, especially when a man and woman have the same role but different standards and expectations. 

6. Work-Life Balance

There is no question that a healthy work-life balance is essential for men and women alike. Unfortunately, many working women feel pressured into putting more effort into their careers. They might take less time off or work longer hours to “prove” themselves. 

Unfortunately, this mindset can take a toll on a woman’s mental and physical well-being. Self-care is important for everyone, especially when you’re dealing with challenges. If a woman isn’t taking time to enjoy aspects of her life away from work, it can create even bigger problems. 

Again, awareness is only the first step. It’s up to female employees, employers, large corporations, and small business owners to all step up and do what’s right to promote and provide equality in the workplace and a brighter future for women. 

If you're struggling in the workplace and are interested in learning more about therapy for women, reach out today.