Women Must Ask!
- Posted In : 2021-Jul-06
According to a survey conducted by Harappa Education of 500 respondents, it was discovered that 90% of women hesitate to ask for a raise at work. Among several other statistics like the percentage of women who actively pursue opportunities for growth and the percentage of women who find communication and other skills essential, the one about women hesitating to ask for a raise is the most astonishing.
A similar situation can be observed at Smidha's workplace where only female candidates are selected for office internships. While employees like Smidha always wondered the reason behind such a decision, the employer jokingly in a meeting revealed it as a decision made considering the docile nature of women and how they are less likely to report any scam done with them in terms of paying their stipend and less likely to talk back. Even though the employer passed it off as a joke this incident draws light upon the attitude of corporations towards women.
Why does this happen?
The reason behind such an attitude is embedded in the patriarchal norms of the society which regard women as an inferior entity as compared to men. Such notions of inequality sweep into industries like corporate as they are not protected by walls to avoid misogyny from penetrating. Smidha's employer even jokes about such things because they believe in it. Such notions create an atmosphere of sexism in the workplace that leads to fewer opportunities for women and more for men.
Such notions uphold the idea that men are considered more suitable for work hence have certain rights at work that women don't however it’s completely rational and illegal to implement them in a workplace. Such an environment brings the female employees’ spirit drastically down, causing them to doubt themselves, their work, and their efficiency. These doubts manifest themselves so deep into them that women eventually start hesitation towards basic things, one of them is asking for a raise despite being productive and generating desired results.
How to tackle such obstacles?
Not only women but other employees at a workplace need to realize that such an atmosphere at a workplace or anywhere is irrational, toxic, and needs to be reported. Acknowledging it and avoiding it should be the first step towards being able to ask for a raise without any hesitation. This is exactly what Smidha did after which she gathered her progress reports and her portfolio to get the results of how efficient of an employee she has been.
Smidha's company faced a few losses in the last couple of months, so she decided to wait for the right time which is the next step. One should consider asking for a raise when the results start being productive as the employers are more likely to figure out the person's contribution to the success of the company. Being strategic and able to do your research is essential to the whole process.
Asking for a raise is essential and needs to be done after being prepared. This preparedness also requires being prepared to be rejected on the proposal of a raise which might happen because of the employee’s inability to produce required results. The employee approaching for a raise should be straightforward and direct with their intentions instead of saying something unprofessional that might reduce their chances of getting a raise. As women have other struggles as well, they should highlight them but only the ones which have a direct or indirect impact on their work performance to showcase how well they are dealing with them. These steps should be followed to get a raise and if you don't get one always ask your employer how you can be qualified to get one.
Know your worth. Never settle for less than you deserve
Image Credit: Unsplash
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An avid reader, researcher, and versatile content writer who is still learning and enjoys the company of animals and books on a peaceful Sunday evening.