How do sexualized expectations subtly influence performance reviews and goal-setting? In today's workplace environment, employers and employees alike often discuss sexualization as an issue that needs to be addressed more openly. While there is some awareness about how gender discrimination can lead to inequality in pay and opportunities for women, it is less widely recognized that this type of bias also impacts performance reviews and goal setting for both genders. Sexual harassment may create a hostile work environment, but even when no such incidents occur, many people still face subtle pressures from their bosses, coworkers, and themselves to act according to conventional standards of attractiveness or "sexiness." The result is that they feel pressure to meet these unspoken expectations, which are rarely discussed explicitly. This can affect their ability to focus on their job tasks and objectives, leading to lower productivity and reduced professional success.
The first aspect of sexualized expectations that can subtly influence performance reviews is appearance standards. Employees who fit certain physical criteria, such as being tall, thin, well-groomed, or physically active, may feel pressure to maintain those characteristics, which can become a distraction from their actual work. Women especially may experience pressure to dress professionally yet sexy at the same time, while men may feel pressure to keep up with a muscular body image. Both groups may feel judged based on their hairstyle, makeup, tattoos, piercings, or fashion choices. These factors can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt during review periods, making it harder for employees to perform optimally.
Sexualized expectations can also impact interpersonal interactions between employer and employee. Bosses may favor workers who are more open to flirting or sharing personal details about their lives, while shunning those who remain professional in their demeanor. This can lead to a sense of unease among the latter group, who might wonder if they will be passed over for promotions or raises due to their lack of social appeal. It can also create a culture where employees compete against each other for attention rather than focusing on teamwork and collaboration.
Sexualization can influence how goals are set and evaluated. Bosses may set challenging targets related to attractiveness, such as sales quotas or customer satisfaction ratings, without acknowledging that these measures don't necessarily reflect an employee's true abilities. Similarly, coworkers might evaluate others based on how much they "bring home" in terms of romantic success or flirtatious behavior. This creates a stressful environment where individuals may feel pressured to act out certain behaviors simply to meet arbitrary standards. The result is that workplace performance reviews become distorted by unspoken biases around appearance and interpersonal dynamics.
To address this issue, managers should take steps to reduce sexualized expectations in the workplace. They could encourage open conversations about body image and dress code policies, as well as emphasizing productivity and professionalism instead of physical traits. Employees should strive to set clear boundaries with bosses and colleagues regarding the type of interaction they find acceptable and what constitutes appropriate communication during review periods. By speaking up when faced with inappropriate comments or situations, individuals can help prevent sexualization from affecting their job performance.
How do sexualized expectations subtly influence performance reviews and goal-setting?
Research indicates that sexualized expectations can influence performance reviews and goal-setting in several ways. Firstly, it can create unrealistic standards of what is expected from employees based on their gender. This can lead to discrimination against individuals who do not conform to stereotypical gender roles and expectations.