Husky girls with fresh lipstick make better workers

The following is something my mother sent me from her regional museum. She doesn't know who issued the advice (perhaps the War Office?); she only knows that it was directed to the 'Supervisors of Women in the Workforce (Transport, Western Division), 1943'. I love what this says about men between the lines.


Employ young married women. They usually have more sense of responsibility than their unmarried sisters. They're less likely to be flirtatious, and they need the work (or they wouldn't be doing it). They still have the pep and interest to work hard and deal efficiently with the public.

When you have to employ older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home. Older women who have never contacted the public have a hard time adapting themselves and are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. Impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy.

Experience indicates that "husky" girls, i.e., those a little on the heavy side, are more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.

Retain a physician to give each woman a special physical examination covering female conditions. This protects against the possibilities of lawsuit and reveals any female weaknesses, which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job.

Stress 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.

Give the female employee a schedule of duties so she'll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions. Women make excellent workers with their jobs cut out for them, but they lack initiative.

Whenever possible, let employees change from one job to another during the day. Women are inclined to be less nervous and happier with change.

Give each 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.

Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can't shrug off harsh words the way men do. never ridicule a woman -- it breaks her spirit and cuts off her efficiency.

Be reasonably considerate using strong language around women. Even though a girl's husband or father may swear vociferously, she'll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.

Get each size variety in uniforms so that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can't be stressed too much in keeping women happy.