Discrimination against Women in the Workplace: Review and Recommendations for More Inclusive Organizations

Past research has provided important insights into discrimination against women in the workplace. However, researchers and practitioners have difficulties digesting this evidence due to its high volume. In this paper, we conducted a literature review on workplace discrimination against women. We focused on three common types of discrimination women face at work (i.e., gender bias, pregnancy and motherhood discrimination, and pay gap). Using a qualitative literature review method, we synthesized past knowledge to illuminate why, how, and when discrimination against women occurs more prevalently in the workplace. We also provided an overview of the intervention studies offered at different levels such as individual or organizational levels to prevent discrimination against women workers. Our findings show that women continue experiencing discrimination based on their gender, pregnancy or motherhood status, and compensation in the workplace. Organizational interventions such as policies and initiatives could offer some help depending on how they are implemented and communicated. This paper provides a practical, up-to-date literature review of gender discrimination in organizations and offers evidence-based recommendations for researchers and practitioners.
INTRODUCTION Over the last couple of decades, there have been improvements in working conditions for women through advocacy, policy, and awareness. However, the cultural and social norms continue to pose [...]