In an eyebrow-raising turn of events, Ernst & Young hosted a seminar to ostensibly enhance the professional lives of their female staff, amid a broader cultural shift towards addressing women’s issues in the workplace. Following the impactful “Me Too” movement, many organizations began taking significant steps to confront the historical mistreatment of women, including mandatory harassment training and clearer guidelines for acceptable behavior. However, Ernst & Young’s approach seemed to stray from the mark, as evidenced by leaked materials from their Power-Presence-Purpose (PPP) seminar.
The presentation materials, which were shared with a journalist from The Huffington Post, contained outdated and regressive advice that many found shocking. Attendees were encouraged to prioritize “fitness and wellness” in their professional lives, with an alarming focus on appearance. A former executive, who spoke under the pseudonym Lily, noted that the seminar’s content included instructions for women to be “polished” with specific recommendations on haircuts, manicures, and attire that would complement their body types. One particularly problematic suggestion was to avoid displaying too much skin, as it could distract male colleagues from the substance of their contributions.
Among the many off-putting elements was a worksheet prompting participants to evaluate themselves based on a list of “masculine” and “feminine” traits. Traits deemed “masculine” included “aggressive, ambitious, and independent,” while “feminine” characteristics were described as “affectionate, shy, and tender.” Lily highlighted the harmful message conveyed: women risk being penalized by both men and women if they exhibit traits traditionally associated with masculinity.
In response to inquiries from The Huffington Post, Ernst & Young acknowledged that the version of the seminar in question had been under review for some time and stated that the June 2018 event was the last of its kind. The firm defended its practices, asserting that the portrayal of the seminar’s content was taken out of context. They provided testimonials from some current female employees who expressed positive experiences with the program.
However, such endorsements do little to mitigate the concerns raised by the seminar’s content. Participants were also advised on how to interact with male colleagues, with suggestions to avoid direct confrontation in meetings and to sit at angles rather than face-to-face during discussions. The advice culminated in a directive to refrain from being too assertive or outspoken.
It’s disheartening to realize that such antiquated notions of femininity and professionalism persist in corporate environments. A complete rejection of these outdated practices is essential for fostering a truly inclusive workplace.
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In summary, Ernst & Young’s seminar aimed at “enhancing” female employees revealed troubling attitudes towards gender roles in the workplace. Despite the company’s claims of progress, the content of the PPP seminar underscores the need for a more substantial shift in corporate culture to truly support women in their professional journeys.
Keyphrase: Ernst & Young seminar on women empowerment
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