In her forthcoming book Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape (available Feb. 9, 2010), Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth professor Ella Edmondson Bell discusses the challenges of today’s workplace and advises women how to succeed in the new corporate playing field. I recently spoke with her about some of these issues.
The challenges of today’s workplace…
For men and women alike, technology has changed the way we work, and not always for the better. “There is an expectation on everyone now that work is a 24/7 reality,” says Bell. “Everybody is supposed to work extraordinarily long hours, and even if you’re away from work, you still feel like you’re on call because people can get you, particularly in the world of MBAs.”
Also, Bell cites the turbulent environment in many companies, in which employees are getting blindsided by layoffs. “When people are fearful of losing their jobs, that makes the workplace a little more vicious, more competitive,” says Bell. Additionally, she names globalization as a force that has made the world smaller and, therefore, more competitive.
…And why it can be harder on women
These conditions have posed unique trials for women, says Bell:
Men and women have duties at home, but for women, the second shift notion is becoming increasingly more complicated and harder to manage. As Maria Shriver has been talking about on NBC, many men have lost their jobs in this economy, so women are the breadwinners, but they’re still expected to also carry on the major household duties and raise the family.
It’s harder for women to see themselves actually rising up in a company and succeeding because of the amount of time and effort and because they have other responsibilities. I think it’s harder for women because they feel more alienated. They’re left out of valuable networks and social outlets. So it’s easier, particularly for women of color, to feel more isolated, more vulnerable.
Despite these challenges, Bell says it’s a great time for women in the corporate world. Next week, I’ll share her ideas why, as well as some tips for women to take full advantage of these favorable conditions.
Photo courtesy of Mark Washburn.
