Why are women so catty in the workplace and why do employers put up with it?

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   savvydatingposted 7 years ago

   Why are women so catty in the workplace and why do employers put up with it?
   
   What's the deal with these tacky women, and why are there so many of them? In every job I've had, I've seen this phenomenon of women gossiping, backstabbing and cackling. Their presence makes for a hellish workplace. Are employers in denial about these people? I know that they are where I work, the bosses claim that everything is fine.
   
   

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   RTalloniposted 7 years ago

   Denial means bosses do not have to address the problem. They know that doing so would only escalate such people's behaviors. It only takes one to make everyone else miserable, but one must watch their back carefully if they speak up about it.  And it does seem that there are more than one in too many cases.  Too bad some good old fashioned character training can't be incorporated into training classes.  I vote for at least posting character quotes throughout the workplace.

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   Aime Fposted 7 years ago

   I've never had a job where the women were catty.  I've actually experienced a lot of really positive relationships with women that I worked with. 
   
   The only work drama I've had an issue with centred around a man, and in his case he was very successful as an employee, so the company didn't really care that he was causing issues among the other people working there.  He was making the company money, that's what was most important to them.

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      savvydatingposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      That's awesome that you have not experienced anything negative from women in the workplace, Aime.

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      Sandra Behrensposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Where do you work? I want to work there.

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      Aime Fposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Several places!  A bookstore, a clothing store, a hockey arena, a financial company... lots of really lovely and supportive women!

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   Efficient Adminposted 7 years ago

   I agree with RTalloni in that managers are in denial because they either don't want to deal with the issue or don't know how to deal with it. If a manager cannot or will not deal with conflict resolutions, then they shouldn't be managers.
   
   In the span of my corporate working days, it has also been my observation that these catty women know how to kiss the right behind - ESPECIALLY MALE MANAGERS - so in other words, the managers see a different face from these bitches (am I allowed to say that?) and don't realize the problems they cause with other employees and that is another reason they get away with it.

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      savvydatingposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Efficient Admin, As far as I am concerned, you are allowed to say "that." It's the truth & I agree that if a boss can't manage a subordinate who acts badly and who violates the civil rights of another, then she has no business holding that positi

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   fpherj48posted 7 years ago

   Yves.....It is most definitely an employer's responsibility to make clear from the day someone is hired that there is zero tolerance for the attitudes and/or behavior you bring up in your question. In larger companies, H.R. has the duty to inform new hires of all rules & regulations.  Preferably, every place of employment should provide employees with a manual that must be read and signed.  Employees have a right to be informed what is expected of them and what methods of discipline are possible due to repeated infractions. They also need to be aware that their office protocol  is being noticed at all times by an attentive manager.
   The issue you mention is a tough one. Having always been in managerial/supervisory positions with the agencies I worked for, I am painfully aware of the female cattiness you refer to.  It is real and can destroy the entire environment of an office.  I always made it crystal clear from day one that that type of immature, unacceptable behavior would not be tolerated.  In order to keep a handle on it, a manager must follow through with write-ups & private consults.  Once an employee realizes that their job is at risk, the problem normally subsides. 
   My favorite action to take with women who can't seem to "get along" or show one another respect, was to partner those very individuals with one another on a particular project.  (devious wench that I am)   You would be amazed at how well they learn to get along and how quickly they become happy co-workers when their job performance depends on the talents and assistance of one another! 
   Obviously, some women never grow emotionally from their high school days. Unfortunately, this leaves it the job of a supervisor to help them behave like adults. Employers who ignore these issues or worse, play "favorites," are in fact, damaging their own business,  Left to do as they please, women can wreak havoc.  Good question!

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      savvydatingposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Great response. I could not agree with you more. Managers absolutely must let employees know that acting badly is not an option. I particularly like the phrase "zero tolerance." Thank you for giving a real answer to this widespread problem, Paula.

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