It’s a Problem When Women Don’t Speak up on Zoom Calls

Why women don’t speak up on Zoom calls - and why that’s a problem

By Natalie Marchant, World Economic Forum, January 7, 2021

Insight: This article shares recent research done at Brigham Young University that explores the dilemma that while diversity efforts may have created space for women to have a seat at the table, it doesn’t mean they have a voice.

Natalie Marchant shares that almost half (45%) of US women business leaders surveyed said it was difficult to speak up in virtual meetings, while one-in-five women felt they’d actually been ignored on virtual calls.

When women do speak up, researchers found they aren’t being listened to as much and are being interrupted more. Fortunately, the researchers offer some strategies, suggesting that even small changes can make a difference. For example, adding a positive interjection such as, “that’s an interesting point” can help validate women’s voices in spaces where they may be otherwise lost.