APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here she gives advice to a reader who is a victim of unsettling and disrespectful comments in the office.
Q: I’m 36 and have 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, so when I joined a small firm as an executive assistant, I had high hopes.
At first it was great, but recently I’ve experienced some unsettling comments in the office, such as being told that I am “too direct as a woman,” and that “men won’t take kindly to that.”
I have been advised to “come across as ditsy so men warm to you.”
These remarks have been repeated multiple times to me and female colleagues.
My attempts to address the issue have been met with resistance, and given the lack of an HR department in our small company, I feel quite isolated.
What strategies would you recommend?
Jess, via email
A: It’s shocking to hear of a company sharing such blatantly sexist comments.
Being told to change your behaviour based on outdated gender stereotypes is really unfair.
With 15 years’ experience in the industry, you know what you’re doing and your professionalism and directness are strengths, not weaknesses.
Start by talking to your female colleagues.
See if there’s a shared interest in addressing the problem, as it could be more effective as a united front.
If you feel comfortable, talk about the issue with the people involved, reminding them that men and women should not be treated differently at work.
Calmly suggest solutions to your manager, such as implementing training to better educate employees.
Working for a small company has its advantages, but the absence of an HR team can make situations like this challenging.
Stay strong and maintain your professionalism while advocating for a respectful workplace.
