Workplace Buzz: Today’s Headlines

Workplace Buzz on November 6, 2007 7:12 AM

Reasons Why More Women Call in Sick than Men
The good news: Workers are calling in sick less often than they did just a decade ago.
The bad news: Women are still absent nearly twice as often as their male counterparts in the work place. It’s been a perpetual problem in the worplace; women tend to call in sick more often than men. But the why — even though you may think you know the answer — isn’t that clear cut, nor should it be. MSNBC.com

A Conundrum Indeed
Women are expected to be interpersonal and nurturing in the workplace, but if they are, they can be labeled weak and ineffective. And while men are given the pass, even respect, when they are angry, women often are written off as out of control. Strong women also are seen as harsh and interfering, less abrasive women as push-overs and incompetent. So what is a woman to do? The Wichita Eagle

Family Responsibilities Discrimination
As the number of employees with elder and child care demands grows, more workers are filing lawsuits claiming they've been discriminated against on the job because of their family caregiving obligations.The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which recently issued its first guidance for employers about the issue, reports an "upsurge" in cases -- with many resulting in awards to plaintiffs. The guidance provides examples of how bias can occur so that employers are aware of the risk. Gannett News Service

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