The Invisible Labor of Women at Work: Why We’re Done Being the Office Fairy Godmothers

Varshini Karunanithi

11 months ago

Invisible Labor: Let’s talk about the dirty little secret of the modern workplace: women are often the unsung heroes keeping the office wheels turning. You know who we’re talking about—the ones organizing the team lunch, taking meeting notes (even when it’s not their job), and volunteering for the committee no one else wants to touch. These tasks are the workplace equivalent of folding laundry or remembering your in-laws’ anniversary: necessary, thankless, and almost always falling on women.

But here’s the kicker: while these “non-promotable tasks” might earn you a gold star for being a “team player,” they won’t get you a promotion, a raise, or a corner office. Nope. Instead, they’ll eat up your time, energy, and sanity, leaving you wondering why you’re stuck in career purgatory while your male colleagues are out there crushing high-visibility projects and climbing the corporate ladder.

Sound familiar? Buckle up, because we’re diving into why women’s invisible labor at work is the ultimate scam—and what we can do about it.

The Office Fairy Godmother Syndrome

Picture this: You’re at work, minding your business, when suddenly your boss asks you to plan the holiday party. Or take notes for the umpteenth meeting. Or join the diversity committee (because, of course, you’re the “diverse” one). You say yes because, well, someone has to do it, and you don’t want to be labeled “difficult.”

Congratulations! You’ve just been crowned the Office Fairy Godmother. Your magic wand? A stapler and a never-ending to-do list. Your reward? A pat on the back and the eternal gratitude of your colleagues (until next time).

Here’s the problem: while you’re busy being the office MVP, your male coworkers are out there slaying dragons (aka high-impact projects) and getting all the credit. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in the breakroom, wondering why the coffee machine is always broken and why your career is stuck in neutral.

Why Women Get Stuck with the Grunt Work

Let’s be real: this isn’t just bad luck. It’s systemic. Studies show that women are more likely to be asked to take on non-promotable tasks—and more likely to say yes. Why? Because society has conditioned us to be “team players,” “nurturers,” and “people pleasers.” Saying no feels like breaking some unspoken rule of womanhood.

But here’s the kicker: when men say no, they’re seen as “focused” and “ambitious.” When women say no, we’re labeled “difficult” or “not a team player.” It’s a lose-lose situation, and it’s time we called it out for what it is: a double standard that’s holding women back.

The High Cost of Being the Office MVP

Sure, organizing the team outing might earn you some brownie points, but let’s be honest: no one ever got promoted for knowing the best caterer in town. These tasks might make you the office hero, but they won’t help you climb the corporate ladder. In fact, they’ll probably do the opposite.

Here’s why:

Time Drain: Every hour spent planning the office party is an hour you’re not spending on high-impact projects or skill-building.
Energy Suck: These tasks are often emotionally taxing, leaving you drained and less able to focus on your own goals.
Career Stall: While you’re busy being the office glue, your colleagues are out there building their resumes and networking with the bigwigs.

The result? Women are left behind, stuck in roles that don’t fully utilize their talents, while men soar ahead. It’s not fair, and it’s not okay.

How to Break Free from the Invisible Labor Trap

So, what can we do about it? Here are a few tips to reclaim your time, energy, and career:

Learn to Say No (Without Guilt): Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you a smart one. Practice saying, “I’d love to help, but I’m swamped with other priorities right now.”
Delegate Like a Boss: If you’re asked to take on a non-promotable task, suggest someone else who might be a better fit (hint: it’s okay if that someone is a man).
Track Your Contributions: Keep a record of all the extra work you’re doing and bring it up during performance reviews. If it’s important enough to do, it’s important enough to be recognized.
Advocate for Change: Push your organization to create systems for sharing non-promotable tasks equitably. If everyone pitches in, no one gets stuck with the grunt work.

It’s Time to Redefine What We Value

The truth is, the work women do to keep offices running smoothly is invaluable. It’s what makes workplaces functional, inclusive, and enjoyable. But it’s time we stopped treating it as an afterthought.

Organizations need to step up and start valuing this labor—not just with words, but with actions. That means rewarding it, redistributing it, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, is pulling their weight.

And for women? It’s time to stop being the Office Fairy Godmother. You’re not here to wave a magic wand and make everyone else’s lives easier. You’re here to shine, to lead, and to build the career you deserve.

Final Thought: Let’s Make Invisible Labor Visible

The invisible labor of women at work is a systemic issue, but it’s not one we have to accept. By saying no to thankless tasks, advocating for ourselves, and pushing for change, we can create workplaces that value all forms of labor—and all people.

So, the next time you’re asked to plan the office party, take a deep breath, channel your inner Beyoncé, and remember: you’re not just a team player. You’re a powerhouse. And it’s time the world started treating you like one.

Let’s make invisible labor visible—and let’s make it count.