Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for genders in the workplace?

In Virginia, employers are not allowed to set different standards or expectations for genders in the workplace. Employment discrimination laws protect against this kind of discrimination and make it illegal for employers to treat an employee unfavorably because of their gender. Though employers can establish business-based standards, like education or experience requirements, they must be applied fairly to all employees. For example, if an employer has a position that requires a college degree, they must not discriminate against a female applicant based on her gender. Employment discrimination laws also prohibit sex-stereotyping. This is a form of illegal workplace discrimination that occurs when an employee is treated differently due to their gender expression or because of what society considers to be a “typical” behavior associated with a certain gender. For example, if an employer expects female employees to be gentle and accommodating while male employees must be assertive, this could be considered sexual stereotyping and could be illegal. Employee benefits must also be available to both genders equally, and employers are not allowed to treat one gender favorably over the other. For example, if an employer offers certain healthcare benefits to employees, they must offer the same benefits to male and female employees. Overall, employers in Virginia cannot set different standards or expectations for genders in the workplace. They must treat all of their employees fairly and equally, regardless of gender.

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Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for genders in the workplace?

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