Q: Does working in an office with a disproportionate number of men or a disproportionate number of women affect employee productivity?
| posted by Fast Company staff
I don't see why productivity would be affected by a gender ratio imbalance within the workplace. My roommate used to work in an all male office, and they seemed to function well. I don't think that productivity is so much affected as the social environment is.
No, not in itself. It's the cohesiveness of the group, its match with the corporate mission, their inventives and engagement and commitment to their brand promise to each other and their customers, that matter.
There can be a slight productivity issue, but nothing that can really affect a companies bottom line. The only issues that can happen in both situatuions that I forsee would MAYBE be an increase in sexual harrassment.
I work at Inc and for the first time ever I work in a place where there are more women than men by far and it's a bit of a trip. So much so I blogged about it.
As far as affecting productivity, it shouldn't in anyway shape or form unless the people working there are dumb and unprofessional. An unprofessional atmosphere, regardless of the sex ratio ( wow that's an interesting phrase ), affects productivity. Working with idiots definitely affects productivity. Aside from those two reason, productivity is a result of being one who cares about being the best at what you do no matter what it is you do.
Now I would like to say that working at Inc Magazine with all these smart, professional women is awesome ( he said with the camera watching him ). jk
I agree with the previous poster. Ultimately, the work culture determines productivity. Is the culture too much work and not enough play? Does the culture stress working to the point of burnout? I don't feel gender really plays a part in productivity.
Certainly it will because if the ratio in terms of work (productivity)does not match with the number of workers to accomplish the work then everything would be topsyturvie in that particular business.Its always Man/Woman - Machine - Money so in an organisation there should be proportionate number of employees (Men/Women)in order to carryout a non-disruptive production.CHEERS
ridiculous question to stir the pot. and it's working. too many variables - age group(s), single or married, type of business, company size/ formality, etc etc
I have worked in places where it was out of gender balance one way or the other, and the gender balance does change the group dynamics. However, that doesn't mean that each does not have its pluses and minuses.
I think that productivity can be good in any group, but the leader needs to think about ways to be inclusive and honor all of the members styles so that the mission can be served.
I find the biggest influence that gender dominant workplaces have on production is moral. If one is the minority, one tends to feel like there is some bias and this may create some feelings of resentment. It is best to discuss these issues before they escalate, but some may feel that is best to keep their mouth shut rather than speak up. When crude jokes are made or unwanted advances are made on either gender, then sexual harassment issues and risk are introduced. In this aspect, unresolved conflicts can have major impact on concentration and production and should be dealt with immediatly.
13 Total
April 23, 2008 at 12:29pm by Joe Luna
Depends if those women are single or not.
April 23, 2008 at 12:37pm by Andrew Gooss
I don't see why productivity would be affected by a gender ratio imbalance within the workplace. My roommate used to work in an all male office, and they seemed to function well. I don't think that productivity is so much affected as the social environment is.
April 23, 2008 at 12:45pm by Zane Safrit
No, not in itself. It's the cohesiveness of the group, its match with the corporate mission, their inventives and engagement and commitment to their brand promise to each other and their customers, that matter.
April 23, 2008 at 1:48pm by Nicholas Anderson
There can be a slight productivity issue, but nothing that can really affect a companies bottom line. The only issues that can happen in both situatuions that I forsee would MAYBE be an increase in sexual harrassment.
April 23, 2008 at 2:56pm by
LOL!!! This is a funny and loaded question!
I work at Inc and for the first time ever I work in a place where there are more women than men by far and it's a bit of a trip. So much so I blogged about it.
As far as affecting productivity, it shouldn't in anyway shape or form unless the people working there are dumb and unprofessional. An unprofessional atmosphere, regardless of the sex ratio ( wow that's an interesting phrase ), affects productivity. Working with idiots definitely affects productivity. Aside from those two reason, productivity is a result of being one who cares about being the best at what you do no matter what it is you do.
Now I would like to say that working at Inc Magazine with all these smart, professional women is awesome ( he said with the camera watching him ). jk
April 23, 2008 at 3:18pm by Sherri L. Smith
I agree with the previous poster. Ultimately, the work culture determines productivity. Is the culture too much work and not enough play? Does the culture stress working to the point of burnout? I don't feel gender really plays a part in productivity.
April 23, 2008 at 5:21pm by kimmee s
Yes, I've noticed when there's a lot of women sometimes it gets too negative and nitpicky. Alright I'll come out and say it, it gets too catty.
Men can be that way once in awhile, but for the most part their temperments seem more mild and tend to balance the dynamics out.
Just speaking from my experience however :)
April 23, 2008 at 5:27pm by kimmee s
and i should add, i agree that it shouldn't affect it but i have experienced it that way.
and as the other poster mentioned, the work culture as a whole, seems to have a much larger impact.
April 24, 2008 at 6:16am by Simon Varghese
Certainly it will because if the ratio in terms of work (productivity)does not match with the number of workers to accomplish the work then everything would be topsyturvie in that particular business.Its always Man/Woman - Machine - Money so in an organisation there should be proportionate number of employees (Men/Women)in order to carryout a non-disruptive production.CHEERS
April 26, 2008 at 3:53am by Ian Leong
ridiculous question to stir the pot. and it's working. too many variables - age group(s), single or married, type of business, company size/ formality, etc etc
May 8, 2008 at 1:05pm by BREA JAMES
I'd rather work with men than women women seem to wonder off on subjects and matters that has nothing to do with the productivity of the office
May 9, 2008 at 3:21pm by Maggie Davis
I have worked in places where it was out of gender balance one way or the other, and the gender balance does change the group dynamics. However, that doesn't mean that each does not have its pluses and minuses.
I think that productivity can be good in any group, but the leader needs to think about ways to be inclusive and honor all of the members styles so that the mission can be served.
May 30, 2008 at 4:48pm by Joanne Mule
I find the biggest influence that gender dominant workplaces have on production is moral. If one is the minority, one tends to feel like there is some bias and this may create some feelings of resentment. It is best to discuss these issues before they escalate, but some may feel that is best to keep their mouth shut rather than speak up. When crude jokes are made or unwanted advances are made on either gender, then sexual harassment issues and risk are introduced. In this aspect, unresolved conflicts can have major impact on concentration and production and should be dealt with immediatly.