I am male and have worked in both. Here are some trends I saw, which of course all have their exceptions.
Advantages of mostly male workplaces
- People are less likely to be offended
- Straight forward communication
- People are quicker to feeling comfortable with each other
- People are quick to forgive each other
Disadvantages of mostly male workplaces
- Can be rough
- Can result in hypermasculinity and competitiveness
- More aggressive toward each other
- Less compassionate of weaknesses or setbacks
- Solutions to problems can be intense and aggressive
Advantages of mostly female workplaces
- More understanding of individual differences
- Solutions tend to be less harmful/aggressive
- Individual weaknesses are accepted and accommodated
- Setbacks due to unexpected circumstances are more tolerated
Disadvantages of mostly female workplaces
- Gossip and drama
- People can hold grudges for a long time
- Shady and deceptive interpersonal interactions
- People form cliques
- Indirect communication with double meaning
- Intentional misunderstanding to play power games