Working moms are less likely to be hired and are almost one hundred percent less likely to be promoted. This is an amazing statistic, knowing how much working moms can bring to the table. They are often great at multi-tasking and getting a lot done in a short amount of time!
However, the truth is that working dads can also be affected by discrimination. Here are some signs that you may be facing discrimination as a working mom (or dad).
Asking about your family and childcare during your interview. Though you may talk about your family during your interview, your potential employer can’t ask you about whether or not you are planning to start a family (or already have one).
Assuming that you won’t come back after your maternity leave. Some employers will find a replacement for you, simply because they don’t think that you will want to come back after your leave. However, they need to hold your job for you.
Not allowing moms to take maternity leave. Even if you don’t get paid, you deserve a few weeks off to heal and adjust to becoming a mother. Many employers also give dads a few days (or weeks) off to adjust to their new family.
Not promoting pregnant women or mothers with your children. Instead, promotions go to single men and women. They may also promote men who don’t have any children.
Not giving fathers the same benefits as working moms. Most people assume that women take on the caregiving role. However, there are some men who are the primary caretakers of their children. They are going to need flexible schedules and time off to make sure that they are being cared for properly. If your employer doesn’t give you time off because your wife could do it, you may be facing discrimination.
Getting negative evaluations because they don’t feel like you are committed to your job, no matter how hard you work. Many mothers (and fathers) feel like more is expected of them. They must prove to their employers and management that they are dedicated to their job, even more than single employees. For this reason, they may get negative evaluations because they are being judged harsher than some of the other employees.
Skipping over you for challenging assignments. If your employer gives challenging assignments to some of the other employees because they just assume that you don’t want them, you may have a case of discrimination. You should be allowed to do as much work as you are able.
This may also mean giving traveling assignments to other employees. If you want to travel and have a way to do so, you should be allowed to take them!
If you feel like you are being discriminated against because you are a working mom or dad, you should talk to an experienced lawyer. Just because you are a parent, doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything to bring to the table. In fact, you are probably a very hard worker, working as hard (if not harder) to prove that you deserve to be there.
That being said, there are going to be times when you need some time off to make sure that your children are being cared for properly. You deserve flexible hours to make sure that you are home for bedtime every night. That being said, if you want something extra challenging, you deserve it! If you want an assignment that involves travel, go for it.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you feel like you are being discriminated against. At Aiman-Smith & Marcy, we specialize in making sure that employees are being treated fairly.
