By now, society might assume that women in the workplace have finally earned the right to become something that was long discouraged: themselves. However, it can be hard for women to be authentic in the workplace, especially if they’re just starting out. Research shows that women in predominantly male settings often feel pressure to conform to long-entrenched cultural norms of behavior and gender stereotypes–and to conceal aspects of their identity in order to get ahead.
Gender bias is especially glaring in the technology sector, long characterized as inhospitable to women. Studies find that hostile environments and a feeling of isolation often drive women in mid-management to leave the tech industry. In fact, more than 50% of women drop out of the industry by mid-career.
