Continuing on the path to workplace gender equality
In a modern workplace where equality should be the standard, many women still face an uneven playing field - on top of the challenge of getting “onto the field”. Whether it’s subtle biases, differing expectations, or stereotypes, the impact of being judged differently can hinder not only women’s career growth but also the health of an organisation.
A challenge as old as work itself
So, how do we foster a workplace where women are evaluated on their contributions, skills, and potential, not on outdated assumptions? This challenge is as old as the workplace itself, but despite progress, it is of course far from solved for women - especially those who also in other non majority communities.
The answer lies in creating - and maintaining - a conscious, proactive culture that champions true equality.
The foundations for success
Ensuring that women are not judged differently in the workplace requires both structural changes and cultural shifts.
It starts with honestly finding, examining and addressing unconscious biases—whether in hiring, performance reviews, or leadership development.
For example, research shows that assertiveness in men is often seen as a leadership quality, whereas the same trait in women can be labelled as “aggressive”, “pushiness” - or worse.
This double standard not only limits individual growth but also prevents organizations from tapping into the full potential of their workforce.
Process for Progress
Programmatic, practical steps are crucial. Companies can implement training focused on recognizing and overcoming biases, ensure transparent promotion and performance evaluation processes, and actively encourage diverse voices in all levels of leadership.
By consciously building inclusive teams and practices, companies can create an environment where women feel valued and judged solely on their impact and potential.
True progress happens when organisations hold themselves accountable for fostering equality. Ensuring people are not judged differently is not just about fairness; it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient organisation that adapts and performs.
How Scalewell’s approach contributes
For any organisation focused on fairness and performance, a commitment to the journey is the start, and uncovering the potential challenges is the next step. Our diagnostics allow organisations to quickly scan for any form of toxicity, understand it, and define the way forward. Our ask of our clients? Commitment to the journey - and urgency!
You can book a meeting for a first discussion about culture and performance with us here.
