A Preply survey of 1,800 women found that 82% of respondents change the way they speak while at work. This “work voice” tends to include less sarcasm and fewer swear words. Women “code-switch” the most when they work in hospitality and tourism (94%); food services (93%); professional services (89%); and retail (88%). Women who work in construction are more likely to speak in their regular voice (70%). “We tend to use slang, sarcasm, and profanity in less formal settings,” Melissa Baerse Berk of the University of Chicago explained. “It may also be the case that women feel as though they need to be extra-formal in the workplace in order to be respected.” (Study Finds)
Phone Topic: Do you have a “work voice”?