Workplace Buzz: Today’s Headlines

Back to Square One?
A Dec. 1 New York Times article, "Top Ranks of Women on Wall Street are Shrinking" tells tales of political infighting and the subprime mortgage crisis as catalysts for the ouster of Zoe Cruz from a high executive position at Morgan Stanley. Since she was Wall Street's best bet for a woman chief executive, it now seems there are no women with "a viable chance of becoming chief executive anytime soon." Are women back to square one, circa 1970, on Wall Street? Huffington Post

Perceptions Difficult to Change
"We reasoned because men are expected to be in a position of power over women, couples in which the woman is verbally dominating the man would be rated more harshly than couples that adhere to the traditional role," said lead author Jennifer Sellers, assistant professor of psychology at Green Mountain College in Vermont. Whether or not we like to admit it, Sellers said, we take heed of gender stereotypes. And these societal limits can hurt both men and women alike. A recent study found that women are expected to miss more work than men, a societal view that could foster workplace discrimination. LiveScience.com

Now May Be a Good Time to Job Hunt!
It's a myth that hiring slows after Thanksgiving. In fact, it's possible more offers are made during the holiday season. By staying active, you'll have an advantage over all the candidates who think nothing happens in December. Rich Gee, an executive-career coach in Stamford, Conn., notes that managers want to spend their current-year budgets so they won't lose funds in subsequent years, giving them a strong incentive to find candidates to fill approved openings. Most executives also know their coming-year budgets and may want to get a head start on filling newly requisitioned openings. Yahoo.com