I work in a small gym with 5 other men and I am the only woman. My workload is significantly higher than the other guys- and my manager has pointed out that some of it is because of I am a woman. Examples of this are: I get left to do ALL the paperwork and sales, I teach the fitness classes and workshops (because I am the only woman qualified to, one of the other guys is qualified to teach classes but he doesn't have to). I am also left to do all the cleaning of the machines. All the other men in the workplace sit and play games on the internet while I have to clean up after them. I don't want to get ahead of myself and start accusing my manager of being sexist but I feel that as I am the only woman in the workplace the work- load is unfairly distributed to me because I am a woman. If you think it is then any advice on how to approach this? If you think it is not then what do you think I should do? Sensible answers only please. Thank you For the record I am not asking anyone to agree with me. Granted you will only read my perspective but I am asking for your opinion based on what you have read. If you think there is something that I am missing please tell me. Also resigning right now is not an option. In this current climate I appreciate my job. I am looking for a new job but as jobs are scarce I don't know how long it will be until I find something different. Thank you for your answers so far
Best Answer:
♥ at 01 May,2013
Yes, this is very sexist. Your manager wants you to clean and teach while the men relax. They should pitch in and all take different chores. You can teach some classes, and the other guy can teach the other classes. Everyone can help clean up, as well. I would talk to your manager and make the manager realize what is happening. It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on gender. You should quit if the manager won't do anything to change.
Other Answers:
- I doubt you'll get anywhere with them, I'd be looking for another job.
- "and my manager has pointed out that some of it is because of I am a woman." You answered your own question. Yes. Point it out to your manager and demand a raise.
- Yes, this is very sexist. Your manager wants you to clean and teach while the men relax. They should pitch in and all take different chores. You can teach some classes, and the other guy can teach the other classes. Everyone can help clean up, as well. I would talk to your manager and make the manager realize what is happening. It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on gender. You should quit if the manager won't do anything to change.
- Are you asking me to agree with. you just gave me your perspective on what you think they do or they do. I can't really see for myself and it sounds like you left out something. I can't really explain how many times ive heard women say "my work load is a lot" when it actually is not. If you feel its sexism, do the sensible (since you like that word) thing and leave. Let them have that job. I'm not for sure why "you being a woman" means you have to do all the classes. You left out the nuts and bolts to the problem at hand.
And to be honest sounds like you have an easy job in my take. I would love to work at a gym, clean machines and help people get more fit. I wouldn't be complaining about that. But if its unfair, its unfair. IF you want a fair answer what is exactly meaning being qualified for the job. And why does he feel a woman can only do it. Something doesn't sound right. In all my years of working I never heard that before. - Yes, it is sexism.
- Yes, it's very sexist.
Men never experience sexism in the workplace, it is only women.
Only women are ever victims, and only men are ever perpetrators.
Just telling you what you want to hear. - Yes