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3 Ways Offices Are Just Like They Were During Mad Men’s Heyday

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Half the fun of watching “Mad Men” is marveling at how much has changed since Don Draper’s ilk stalked Madison Avenue’s ad agencies. But as a recent article in the Huffington Post points out, minus the smoke and the constant drinking, American offices have stayed the same almost as much as they’ve changed.

Here’s how:

1. It’s Still Dominated by White Men.

Yes, things are better than they were, but surveys show that white men are 68 percent more likely to hold leadership positions than low-level jobs. Even when women do become the boss, they’re likely to earn less than men.

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2. There’s Actually Still a Lot of Drinking.

You might not be able to get away with guzzling scotch in a meeting anymore, but depending on your industry, the social consumption of alcohol is still a big part of doing business.

3. Office Parties Are Still Potential Career Killers.

The dance moves might be less endearing, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to get liquored up and tank your chances at promotion.

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More from PayScale

Why You Shouldn’t Use ‘Mad Men’ Characters as Workplace Role Models [infographic]

Drinking at Work: 3 Reasons to Instill a ‘Mad Men’ Office Environment

The Most Popular Job for Women Has Been the Same for 50 Years


(Photo Credit: lanbui/Flickr)

Jen Hubley Luckwaldt
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