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English/German
ISBN 978-3-940574-38-1,
third edition, 2009,
439 pages,
paperback
€29,80

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Women in the German workplace

- complete chapter - 

Stroll through the cafeteria of any large German company at lunch time and you might be amazed by the sheer number of men you will see in suits and ties. Ironically, in a country that helped define the feminist movement and is currently being led by its first female chancellor, you will run into surprisingly few professional women in Germany’s companies. Worse yet, open any annual report and glance through the pictures of the Board – finding a woman among them is like finding a four-leaf clover! The absence of women in management positions, especially at higher managerial levels, is not only extreme in Germany, it is a curious phenomenon.

While around 60 percent of women between the ages of 15 to 65 work outside of the home, only about 30 percent of these work in professional positions and only two-thirds work full time. So what is it that is keeping women, who now make up the majority of university students in Germany, from joining the professional workforce and climbing up corporate ladders alongside their male colleagues? Opinions on the matter are varied, and range from workplace discrimination to a lack of professional ambition on the part of females. However, Germany has a mix of cultural traditions and social legislation that undeniably encourages women to choose ac-ceptable alternatives to a professional career. So, if you suddenly find yourself in a conference room full of men without any other women in sight, keep a few things in mind:

• Culture and Tradition
  Years ago, the German woman’s duties were defined by the 3 K’s: “Kinder, Küche, und Kirche” (Children, Kitchen, and Church). Today, the first two, while no longer considered “duties”, still continue to play an important role in the lives of many German women. While it is common for women in many countries to work full time while raising a family, many Germans still hold the conservative belief that a woman should not try to manage both, and in contrast to many other industrialized nations, German women are not expected to. Strangely enough, even young German women are still greatly influenced by this belief. If they do choose to start a family, they often leave the workplace to stay at home for several years. Such a long break does, of course, have obvious consequences for anyone’s career path. If a woman does indeed decide to pursue a professional full-time job and raise children, and she is not subject to extraneous circumstances (a disabled spouse, single parenthood, etc.), she may very well be met with criticism by her family, friends, and colleagues.
• Social Legislation for Changing Demographics
  Implemented in an effort to support individuals who choose to have children in the face of a drastically shrinking German population, German social law also has the unfortunate side-effect of preventing many women from pursuing professional careers. In fact, the government’s financial support for new parents is so enticing that it often dissuades women from returning to work following the birth of their first child. Here are a few of the government’s perks for parents:
  • Elterngeld (Parents’ Funds) – these are tax-financed funds that are offered to parents in the year directly following their child’s birth. Currently, if an employed mother or father decides not to 183 return to work after a child’s birth, the German government compensates one parent for two-thirds of his or her salary up to a certain amount (currently set at € 25,200).
  • Kindergeld (Children’s funds) – In addition to “Elterngeld”, parents receive at least € 150 per month per child depending on the child’s age and the number of children in a family. These funds are offered to all households with children regardless of employment status until the child turns 18 years of age.
  • Job Protection – Mothers who choose to stay at home after the birth of a child often decide to return to the workplace at some point. This process is made easier by a German law that ensures mothers the right to a position with their employer for up to three years after a pregnancy. This period of time is known as “EIternzeit” (parent’s time). However, many women choose to have several children and end up returning to the workforce after more than just three years. Often, this long gap in their work experience prevents them from seriously pursuing careers in management or other professional areas. In fact, many women choose to return to the workforce as part-time workers so that they can continue to keep at least one eye on their family.
    
• A big gap but a high standard of living – Such “Elternzeit” breaks and part-time work contribute to the fact that women earn 22 percent less on average than male colleagues with equivalent jobs. While this circumstance is also the result of a mix of many other things including too few day care centers for children and limited promotional opportunities for women, it worries Germany, who suffers from the third biggest gender salary gap in the European Union. It should be noted, however, that Germany’s men’s salaries are some of the highest in the Europe. They not only widen the wage gap, but are another factor supporting the decision of many married women to stay at home after having children or to not pursue employment at all.

Tips for climbing the corporate ladder despite it all…

Though all of this may seem intimidating to a woman wishing to pursue a professional career in Germany, the role of women in the workplace is quickly beginning to change. The shrinking population of Germany is not only dependent on women for more children, but, in an economy that supports ever more state-funded pensions as baby-boomers retire, women in the workforce are becoming indispensable. At the same time, many younger German women are simply deciding not to have children or defying tradition by attempting to juggle both a career and a family. All of these trends are contributing to the changing face of the German workforce. So, if you are a woman who is currently standing on one of the corporate ladder’s lower rungs, do not be discouraged. Women can climb just as well as men – they sometimes just need to know how not to stand in their own way. Here are some tips to help you get a leg up:

Office Behavior
Throughout this book, we have discussed how different behaviors should be carried out in professional life as compared to private life. Most of these differences stem from the role that rank plays at work. As a woman, you may find yourself in a particularly awkward situation when male colleagues do not abide by these rules and offer to shake your hand first or hold open the office door simply because you are a woman. In such cases, do not be embarrassed and remember that you are not the one making the blunders. Accept these chivalrous gestures, but do not expect them. Many men (and women) do not realize that such behavior is more appropriate in private life than in the workplace. In fact, they are usually trying to be extremely polite and to make a good impression. Rejecting these gestures would not only be extremely rude, but in most cases, it simply would not be understood. This being said, be sure to actively adhere to ranking etiquette rules and let those above you in the hierarchy enter the room first, get on the elevator first, etc. when such situations are at your discretion. Another common pitfall that some women run into in a male-dominated office is the tendency to take care of “domestic-tasks” as they do at 185 home. However, it is important that a woman does not make herself responsible for regularly making coffee, washing the dishes, watering the plants or any other cleaning or organizational tasks. These should be shared by everyone in the office regardless of gender, and, unless they are written in your job description, they should not be anyone’s sole responsibility. Both male and other female colleagues are likely to appreciate such motherly gestures, but by calling attention to yourself for these actions you run the risk of no longer being valued for the true competencies that you bring to the job.

What should I wear?
Inappropriate dress can be an even greater distraction from a woman’s professional competencies. In the workplace, it is important that women remember that looking “sexy” is not the same thing as being “attractive”. Although we briefly discussed a few dress tips for women in Chapter “Business Attire”, a woman hoping to make a serious and professional impression should also remember these “dress for success” rules:

• Skin is not “in” – if there is anything that keeps people (both males and females) from paying attention to what you are saying, it’s a low-cut blouse, a short skirt, a backless dress, bare legs, or a sliver of belly peeking out at them. As summer temperatures rise, some women feel tempted to reveal more skin, especially when they see female colleagues running around like they are at the beach. However, such dress is not appropriate for a professional woman in the workplace. If you want to be known for your mental abilities and not your physical assets (or lack thereof), keep things under cover. Also, never forget to wear a slip under sheer skirts and dresses and, regardless of the heat, to wear pantyhose at all times. You do not want to be perceived as “sexually provocative”.
• These shoes were made for walking… Your shoes should not be the first thing that people notice about you; especially as you attempt to balance your way through the conference room on extremely high heels. The shoes you wear to work should be conservative, stylish, of good quality, and comfortable. It is best to stick with dark pumps with a moderate heel or flats. Avoid stilettos, wedge heels, trendy colors, odd designs or patterns, open toed shoes, and especially boots with laces as these can conjure up other images! Also, make sure the shoes are comfortable before you wear them to work. It is tempting to buy new shoes before a big company event, but nothing is more embarrassing than having to carry your shoes in hand while tip-toeing on blistered feet towards your car at the end of the day.
• The workplace outside of the workplace - Occasionally throughout the year, you will meet with your colleagues for events outside of the workplace. Whether you find yourself under a company-sponsored tent at the Oktoberfest or at the company’s formal Christmas ball, it is still important that your attire remain appropriate but fitting for the event. The fact that you are no longer in the office does not mean that you can forget professional dress and etiquette, even though this is especially tempting when the alcohol starts flowing. Showing up in a tight little black dress or letting your hair down and kicking off your shoes when the music starts playing could leave the wrong impression on your boss and colleagues. Have fun at these events, but respect yourself and others. You do not want to start your next work day with a social hangover.

Romance at Work
Not only does a company structure automatically group individuals based on their abilities and interests, but everyday work life gives us a chance to observe and get to know others over a long period of time and in many different situations. Considering this, and the fact that many German companies are surprisingly accepting of office romances, many Germans actually do end up meeting their life partners at work. This is good news for both single men and women who work full-time. However, in a male-dominated workplace, a woman’s professional reputation is unfortunately more susceptible to criticism than a man’s when it comes to office dating. If you decide to date a colleague or if cupid’s arrow just happens to hit you while you are sitting in front of your computer, keep the following in mind:

• Resist the urge to let everyone know immediately that you are dating a colleague. Even if you are about to explode from all the butterflies in your stomach, try to maintain discretion. It is difficult to accept rejection, but it is even more painful when everyone in the office knows that you got “dumped”. Once the two of you are sure that what you have is more than a short fling, it is acceptable to acknowledge your relationship, but be sure to continue to refrain from displaying affection at work. This is not acceptable professional behavior and it can be very embarrassing when a colleague finds you hugging or kissing each other in the elevator, the coffee nook or the stairwell.
• If you are in a relationship with a colleague, do not spend company time calling, chatting and e-mailing each other. Such behavior is annoying for colleagues who have to listen to private conversations and it causes you to waste work time with blatant disregard for your professional responsibilities. Try to limit the time that you spend with each other to the lunch break, but again, resist displaying affection until the work day is over.
• Things can really get complicated for anyone who is dating someone higher up the corporate hierarchy. Rumors concerning attempts to “sleep your way to the top” are not uncommon, and in such cases, it is extremely important that the relationship does not affect the professional life or responsibilities of either partner. In fact, it is recommended that one partner start looking for another job once it is certain that they both wish to remain in a long-term relationship. This is also only fair to other employees who may perceive unfair advantages being given based on the relationship.
• If your boss or a married colleague begins to flirt with you or to make suggestive comments, do not feel compelled to flatter him by flirting back. These are situations that can negatively affect a woman’s professional reputation, and this is especially unfair considering that most women resent being placed in such uncomfortable situations anyway. Do not respond positively to the comments or advances, and use a serious tone to set the matter straight immediately. If you are continually harassed by anyone, speak to the “Frauenbeauftragte” (women’s ombudsman) who is responsible for your department. She can give you advice and speak to the individual on your behalf. If the situation does not improve, German law does give you the right to file for sexual harassment.

Mentors and other helpful boosts up the ladder
If you are a young woman beginning her career in Germany, you should try to create a working relationship with other professional women in your company who can mentor you. Some of Germany’s larger companies employ quite a few women and have the human resources necessary to set up formal groups that match younger female employees with older and more experienced female mentors. If such a group does not exist in your company, actively look for individuals who have your best interests in mind and who are willing to support you with advice and feedback along your career path. Make it clear that you respect them as a mentor and that you wish to advance within your company. While a woman’s mentor does not necessarily have to be another woman, women are more likely to understand the obstacles that you will face and they are more likely to feel comfortable mentoring another woman. While a mentor can help you build a professional network and give you advice when things get tough, a woman should also keep the following points in mind on her climb up the career ladder:

• Once you have established several important working relationships, you will feel more comfortable in your job and more confident in your future at the company. However, you should never use your professional relationships or friendships to manipulate other colleagues or to brag. For example, mentioning that you are invited to the CEO’s son’s wedding will only make your colleagues jealous and suspicious.
• Even if you are still learning on the job, do not lean back and let everyone serve you. Mentors and other colleagues are happy to give advice and help you out – in the beginning. If you do not show appreciation for their efforts or if you fail to return favors when the opportunity comes along, you can quickly fall from grace. It is particularly important that female employees with professional ambitions show appreciation and demonstrate their competencies so that they do not get accused of relying on others (especially attentive male colleagues) to enable them in their work.
• Every office consists of different characters and personalities, and some of these can be very difficult to deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are one of few women at your workplace, it is not unlikely that you will be a popular target for the “alpha-dog’s” jealousies, the bigoted colleague’s tirades, the macho’s bad jokes, or even the depressed colleague’s trials and tribulations. It is important that you make it clear to your colleagues that you are neither a social worker nor a punching bag. Most importantly, though, do not let these personalities unsettle or intimidate you. Use your best judgment when dealing with such people and be confident in your daily decisions and your work performance.
• Finally, remember to respect everyone regardless of their position or their placement in the corporate hierarchy. The Germans have a saying: “Man sieht sich ja immer zwei mal im Leben” (people see each other at least twice in a lifetime). They also like to apply this to the corporate climb. If you pass someone going up the ladder, you will also pass them coming back down. For this reason, it is important that you show all of your colleagues respect. This includes resisting office gossip and not talking negatively about others behind their backs.

Internet addresses that could be of interest to women: (mostly in German)

• www.bfbm.de
• www.bpw-germany.de
• www.ewmd.org
• www.fairness-stiftung.de
• www.vernetzungsstelle.de

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