The famous glass ceiling that keeps women from climbing the ladder of advancement in the workplace is a transparent reminder of gender politics in the office. As things stand, writes Evelyn Murphy in her new book Getting Even: Why Women Don’t Get Paid Like Men—and What to Do About It, women earn almost 33 percent less than men with equivalent jobs, which can mean, over time, a $2 million loss for a woman with a master’s degree.
A difference in pay or treatment—be it real or perceived—is a real problem, but the key to dealing with it, says Patricia Hernandez, Emerson Electric’s director of organizational development, is isolating the real issue. This means finding out whether a co-worker has really risen in the ranks because of his sex and not his experience, education or other variables.
“Sometimes we get hung up on ethnicity, color and gender,” says Hernandez, “and often it’s not really what we think it is. As long as you are doing the best job you can do, just keep on keeping on.”
If the crucial variable does seem to be sex, find a mentor. Ellen Harshman, dean of Saint Louis University’s John Cook School of Business, urges women to find an objective perspective outside the organization. “Take your feelings to the mentor,” she suggests. “Tell them what you see happening and develop a plan to address the problem together.”
Once you understand the issues, Harshman says, the next step is to approach your supervisor and explain what you think you bring to the company—and how you can contribute more.
Harshman also believes that a mentor within the organization can be an important ally. This person has seen the course women have traveled and knows the strategies it takes to get ahead, and his or her understanding of your organization’s hierarchy can guide you to the fast track—and a larger paycheck. Securing your future means learning from your co-workers’ missteps and accomplishments.
Hernandez has been such a mentor over the years, and having watched the workforce shift to include an increasing number of women gives her hope. “In the end, it’s about diversity,” she says. “Different people bring different points of view to the table.”
By The Hour
Just because they punch a clock doesn’t mean that they don’t make bank. Given a 40-hour workweek, union workers in these skilled trades can pull in around $60,000 a year.
Carpenter - $29.77/hour (commercial work)
Sheet-metal worker - $28.35/hour
Pipefitter - $30.75/hour
Electrician - $31.60/hour
Ironworker - $27.31/hour
Sizing Up Your Salary
Need another reason to feel good about calling St. Louis home? It costs more to live in Wichita. Believe it or not, the cost of living in St. Louis falls below what you’ll find in most major cities, including such comparably sized metros as Indianapolis, Milwaukee and even Des Moines. We took a $75,000 St. Louis salary and adjusted it to show you what you’d need to make in 20 other cities to maintain the same standard of living.
Kansas City, Mo. $73,458
Springfield, Mo. $73,005
Chicago $84,909
New York $149,256
Cincinnati $76,127
Oklahoma City $70,463
Rockford, Ill. $74,949
Omaha, Neb. $75,810
Cleveland $85,033
Des Moines, Iowa $76,366
Dallas $79,851
Milwaukee, Wis. $82,254
Boston $104,362
Los Angeles $105,060
Memphis, Tenn. $73,606
Indianapolis $76,594
Minneapolis–St. Paul $83,243
Topeka, Kan. $71,664
Wichita, Kan. $75,474
Detroit $86,971
Source: Salary.com
