Women's Equality in the Workplace

Three years ago I was working for a commercial printer. A division had been created that was doing something new. They were harnessing the power of the internet to allow customers to order print material from around the country and deliver it to them or mail it to the destination directly. A few companies did this on a small scale but none of them did it as successfully as this company. I was new to the area and immediately fell in love with my job.

The job required extensive savvy with a computer and office software, good communication skills, top-notch phone and customer service skills. My background was perfect for the position. It was a fast-paced, intense environment. I became part of a team of three; a manager, an administrative assistant and I was responsible for servicing customers. On a challenging day I would answer 100 or more calls in an eight-hour shift, a slow day was 10 – 20 calls. Throughout the day, I would answer emails, place orders, and report my progress to my supervisor. Often I received additional projects, such as recording video training for the website, assisting with testing new products before they were advertised to customers, and offering suggestions on how we could provide better service to our customers.

In our busiest time of year, I worked from 8 a.m. until 9 or 10 p.m., six days a week. I was salaried but the company couldn’t justify hiring another staff-person so I worked hard to get the job done to the best of my ability. I was proud of the work I did and enjoyed the challenge.

After a year my efforts began to pay off. Another staff member was hired, who I was responsible for training. Once that person was trained, I was offered another position with new challenges, although the same pay. I accepted the new responsibilities, expecting that my hard work would eventually be rewarded. I was given a raise of 4% and while I had hoped it would be more, I continued to work hard because I felt and still believe I should always give my best effort in whatever I do.

I had settled into the area well. I eventually became pregnant and after three months, announced my pregnancy at work. I expected congratulations and excitement. Instead, there were many questions personal questions and a great deal of concern from my supervisor and the Vice President of the company.

Eventually I was called into a meeting and told that my current position was no longer an appropriate fit for “someone in your condition” and was advised that I would be returned to customer service where the “hours are more flexible”.
I was devastated and shocked. At the time I announced my pregnancy, I never expected I’d be demoted as a result. I had always worked hard and not intended to change that. And yet, even in light of my strong work history, I was being punished for making the decision to be a mother. I eventually adjusted and realized that I’d missed having more interaction with the customers and settled back into my previous position.

My daughter was born in February and a month later, I returned to full-time work. Upon my return, I quickly learned that much had changed in a short time. Orders were coming through at a volume that was difficult for the department to manage. I began working more hours and the strain became evident, both at work and at home. I went to my boss and suggested that more staff be hired to handle the volume.

“Yes, I realize you’re no longer capable of working at a full capacity and we’ll need more staff as a result.” I was stunned and horrified to realize that all my hard work now was taken for granted. I had established an unrealistic ceiling as an ambitious, career-driven woman and as a result, now was considered a poor employee unwilling to put forth my full effort. My work began to suffer and other coworkers began to talk badly about me publicly and in meetings. I was ridiculed and laughed at for being a mother, for gaining weight, and for using a breast pump at work. I was no longer given time off for necessary appointments for myself or my daughter without lectures from my supervisor about how important it was to be there each day and how much clients depended on us. I began to realize that my work environment, which had once seemed so open and welcoming, had suddenly turned hostile and uncomfortable, especially with my supervisor.

Still, I continued to work hard and expected that my efforts would eventually redeem me. For the entire past year, my supervisor had explained to me that I was being groomed for management, and once the department began to grow, that I would eventually fill that role. Imagine my surprise when the department supervisor introduced a new candidate being interviewed for the position of department manager. That was the final straw and I began to look elsewhere for employment. I eventually found it in another company and made sure that my personal life stayed out of my business life with everyone at work.

I never expected, that because I was a woman, and decided to have a child, that I would be ridiculed and essentially forced out of my position. All companies may not do this but the ones who are intolerant of mothers, do not realize the effect that they’re having on future generations and the available workforce. I decided soon after to go into business for myself rather than subject myself to the judgment of companies who believe the only purpose an employee has is to punch a time clock.