Many studies have been conducted on how men and women differ psychologically and emotionally as human beings. These differences also impact their career choices, as well as, their conduct at the workplace. Gender differences in work patterns, communication styles, negotiation methods and tactics have a big impact on the way men and women perform their professional duties and how they perceive the workplace.
A new TimesJobs study on ‘The Gender Divide @ Work” reveals many such differences in working styles and patterns that exist between the sexes. Understanding these differences in thinking, values, interpretations and ideations of both the genders can help India Inc. develop more inclusive and productive workplaces.
Putting in the Extra Hours
Nearly 40 percent of both male and female employees put in around 10-12 hours in a regular day at work, however 70 percent male employees also do overtime at work as compared to 40 percent female employees.
“While there has been a significant shift in evaluating performance based on productivity, the TimesJobs study confirms that perceived gender differences still exist. However, this is more of a mindset issue, than an actual difference in job performance. Even if women do not spend as many hours in the workplace, their productivity and output is equal, if not greater in some cases, than that of men today. This is increasingly being recognised in India Inc.” says Nilanjan Roy, Head of Strategy, Times Business Solutions.
Though more male employees put in extra hours at work more frequently, the level of displeasure in doing overtime is almost equal for both genders. About 60 percent male and 70 percent female employees are not happy putting in extra hours at work.
Out-of-Office but Still@Work
Interestingly, female employees are more open to the idea of working during holidays and vacations with 55 percent female employees saying they have no issues doing office work while holidaying as opposed to just 30 percent male employees agreeing to do so.
See: Hiring Activity to Grow in India by 10% to 15% in 2017
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance holds great significance for both male and female employees as almost 70 percent male and 60 percent female employees, clearly state they will not trade a good work-life balance for a better pay package.
On the question of happiness with their current work-life balance, 65 percent female employees say they are happy with their current work-life balance while only 40 percent male employees say they are happy with their current work-life situation.
Taboo Topics
While openly revealing matters related to job-search, salaries and increments are still regarded as taboos at workplace. TimesJobs reveals that these matters are often more forbidding for female employees, as 70 percent male employees are happy to disclose to their colleagues if they are looking out for a job change while 70 percent female employees are averse to the idea.
Also, 60 percent male employees would comfortably disclose their salary package among their peers, while 70 percent female employees would not be comfortable, as they feel embarrassed and others will feel jealous or unhappy making comparisons.
It appears that social factors and conditioning are by and large, responsible for the apparent gender differences at the workplace. However at the same point in time, this study also reveals some interesting similarities and surprising facts that break gender stereotypes at the workplace and bring in a different perspective altogether.
Also read: In Asia, India and Vietnam Will See the Highest Salary Increase in 2017
