Combat Sex Stereotyping in the Workplace

Key Points

  • An employer should work to create a fair working environment where both males and females are treated with respect. All employment decisions should be documented in detail, free of gender bias and based only on employee skills and performance.
  • An employer should adopt gender neutral terms in the workplace and in job descriptions to help dispel sex-related stereotypes. Managers and supervisors should avoid making generalizations based on sex.
  • All employees, including managers and supervisors, should be educated and trained on what constitutes sex stereotyping, the problems associated with stereotyping and the legal risks involved.
  • An employer should develop and implement innovative HR policies, including dependent care benefits, flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and child care options, and address these as family concerns to counter the stereotype of these being "women's issues."

XpertHR Resources