posted on February 26, 2002 02:47:08 PM new
A Pentagon friend sent this to me. How times have changed!
The following is an excerpt from the July 1943 issue of
Transportation Magazine. This was serious and written for male
supervisors of women in the work force during World War II - a mere 58
years ago! Obviously, the intent was not to be "funny," but by today's
standards, this is hilarious! For those of you with efficiency issues,
pay attention to #8.
Eleven Tips on Getting More Efficiency Out of Women Employees:
There is no longer any question whether transit companies should
hire women for jobs formerly held by men. The draft and manpower
shortage has settled that point. The important things now are to select
the most efficient women available and how to use them to the best
advantage.
Here are eleven helpful tips on the subject:
1. Pick young married women. They usually have more of a sense of
responsibility than their unmarried sisters. They are less likely
to be flirtatious. They need the work, or they would not be doing it.
They still have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the
public efficiently.
2. When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have
worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Older women who
have never contacted the public have a hard time adapting themselves and
are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy.
It is always well to impress upon older women, the importance of
friendliness and courtesy.
3. General experience indicates that "husky" girls - those who are
just a little on the heavy side - are more even tempered and efficient
than their underweight sisters.
4. Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special
physical examination - one covering female conditions. This step not
only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit, but
reveals whether the employee-to-be has any female weaknesses which would
make her mentally or physically unfit for the job.
5. Stress at the outset, the importance of time; the fact that a
minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules.
Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.
6. Give the female employee a definite day-long schedule of duties
so that they will keep busy without bothering the management for
instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women
make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them, but
that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.
7. Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job
to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be less
nervous and happier with change.
8. Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the
day. You have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl
has more confidence and is more efficient if she can keep her hair
tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.
9. Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms.
Women are often sensitive; they cannot shrug off harsh words the way men
do. Never ridicule a woman - it breaks her spirit and cuts off her
efficiency.
10. Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around
women. Even though a girl's husband or father may swear vociferously,
she will grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of
this.
11. Get enough size variety in operator's uniforms so that each
girl can have a proper fit. This point cannot be stressed too much in
keeping women happy.
posted on February 26, 2002 07:30:43 PM new
That is very funny! I have passed it on to my mother. She'll probably be able to add some interesting stories about that time in history!
posted on February 26, 2002 10:18:23 PM new"9. Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they cannot shrug off harsh words the way men do. Never ridicule a woman - it breaks her spirit and cuts off her efficiency."
I see. So, men are supposed to 'not feel a thing' nor build up resentment at being ridiculed? Wasn't this attitude done away with as well?
Borillar
"Real friends don't let friends vote republican"
posted on February 27, 2002 11:59:34 AM new
I have a true, carbon copy of a letter sent to a woman in 1964 telling her she was being replaced with a man. Her duties (custodial) were too demanding for a woman, and the Co felt it was necessary to replace her with a man.
I framed this letter with the intent of selling it on ebay some day.
posted on February 27, 2002 12:24:46 PM new
"9. Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms.
Women are often sensitive; they cannot shrug off harsh words the way men
do. Never ridicule a woman - it breaks her spirit and cuts off her
efficiency."
I see. So, men are supposed to 'not feel a thing' nor build up resentment at being ridiculed? Wasn't this attitude done away with as well?
