75% of the speaking time in meetings…

Men account for 75% of the speaking time in meetings. This has long been perceived as a fact, though it’s hotly contested by those who still picture an unrepentant chatterbox who monopolizes the conversation for hours and shuts others up. But it is now an objective fact: the “manterruption” study conducted by Brigham University clearly shows that women are silenced in work meetings… Especially since they are interrupted 21% more often!

Misfit’s major survey on women’s well-being at work also shows that while women speak up less, it is not because they feel less comfortable speaking or are more intimidated by public speaking (men report the same level of comfort). It’s because they feel less heard, according to 32% of them. This underscores the responsibility of managers (who must, of course, be inclusive) to ensure that everyone—men and women alike—can speak up within the group.