HBR IdeaCast
Why the Highest Paying Jobs So Rarely Go to Women
Nov 23, 2021
Claudia Goldin, a Harvard historian and labor economist, sheds light on the persistent gender pay gap. She introduces the concept of 'greedy work,' where high-paying jobs demand total commitment, often sidelining women who manage caregiving responsibilities. Goldin discusses the changing perceptions of work-life balance, especially post-pandemic. She advocates for flexibility in high-demand positions, emphasizing that collaborative efforts will create fairer work environments. It's a compelling take on culture, ambition, and the future of gender equity in the workplace.
23:31
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of 'greedy work' which rewards employees for working long hours disproportionately affects women's careers and contributes to income inequality and the gender pay gap.
- Companies need to reconsider the value placed on long work hours and prioritize work-life balance to address the issue of 'greedy work', with a cultural shift that values flexibility, teamwork, and results over hours worked.
Deep dives
The Impact of Greedy Work on Gender Inequality
Greedy work refers to jobs that demand long hours and high levels of availability and disproportionately reward employees for working more hours. Historian and labor economist Claudia Golden explains that greedy work often affects women's careers more significantly due to caregiving responsibilities. Women are frequently the ones on call at home, even while at work, creating a gender disparity in the workplace. This phenomenon contributes to income inequality and the gender pay gap. While subtle biases and workplace barriers have received attention, greedy work has often been overlooked. To address this issue, both women and men need to push for change, with employers providing more flexibility and valuing work-life balance.
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