The Effects of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

According to TNS Research Surveys, 68 percent of women surveyed believe gender discrimination exists in the workplace. Federal law protects women and other minorities from discrimination in the work place. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 ended the practice of paying men more than women when performing the same jobs and duties. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act extended this protection to other minorities. Despite these protections, many women still feel gender-based discrimination is a problem in some businesses.

Lost Productivity

Victims of gender discrimination lose motivation and morale necessary to perform their jobs effectively. According to a report written by Jodi L. Jacobson of the WorldWatch Institute, gender bias also leads to a loss in productivity. Things that may lead to this loss of morale and motivation could include jokes about an employee’s gender that imply inferiority, offensive jokes of a suggestive or sexual nature and jokes implying that an employee’s work is sub-par due to his or her gender. Federal law prohibits this type of workplace harassment, whether by superiors or coworkers.

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