By Amelia Gouin
Public relations is traditionally a woman-dominated industry. Is there still a glass ceiling?
70% of the PR workforce is women, but women only hold 30% of the leadership positions (Women & Leadership).
The glass ceiling can be defined as “an unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities” (“Glass Ceiling”). In other words, women are less likely to hold leadership positions in the workplace.
The glass ceiling can also refer to workplace harassment, the gender gap and microaggression. The two main factors that contribute to the glass ceiling are gender stereotypes against women and a lack of mentors.
Implicit bias and gender stereotypes against women can be apparent anywhere. If a man and a woman have equal skills and apply for the same job – depending on the interviewer – they may be more likely to choose the man due to their own implicit bias. A lack of mentors can come into play when women are not supporting each other in the workplace. Women must stick together and uplift each other in the workforce.
So how can we combat this?
Being Aware
Women individually need to be aware of the glass ceiling and how it affects their own work environments. Pay attention to your management/bosses. Are they predominately male or is it diverse? Taking note of how your workplace is set up can help you when trying to break through the glass ceiling. Bond with your female coworkers and support one another. Encourage each other to ask for the promotion.
Male coworkers can also help by being aware of how your female coworkers are at a possible disadvantage to you. Being supportive of your female coworkers can go a long way. Use your voice to stick up for others. If you notice possible bias against your female coworker – speak up.
Be Confident and Take Risks
Men are much more likely to ask for a promotion. Women a lot of times are much more hesitant to apply for a job or ask for a promotion unless they meet 100% of the criteria. Men only feel like they need to meet 60% of the criteria.
Women must be confident in their abilities. Don’t count yourself out before you get a no. Apply to jobs you love and ask for that promotion – the worst that can happen is you receive a no.
Women must speak up. Be vocal at your place of work. Show that you care and have good ideas. Don’t settle for what others are doing if you have new takes on something.
The glass ceiling in PR isn’t going to be fixed tomorrow. The more people aware of it, the better we can work together to combat it. Remember to be aware and be bold. Stick together with your coworkers and support one another. We can continue to end the glass ceiling one workplace at a time.