How men can be allies to women in the workplace

Who is an ally?

An ally is someone who actively supports and advocates for the rights, well-being, and inclusion of individuals or groups who may face discrimination, marginalization, or lack of representation.

Allies leverage their privilege or position to stand up for others, often by listening, educating themselves, speaking out against injustice, and fostering environments that promote equity and respect.

How can men be allies to women in the workplace?

1. Amplifying Women’s Voices

If a woman proposes an idea in a meeting that doesn’t get immediate recognition, a male colleague can reiterate by saying, “I think Julie made an excellent point about partnerships. Let’s explore that further.”

💡This helps ensure her voice is heard and valued.

2. Challenging Bias and Stereotypes

When hearing a comment like, “She’s too assertive,” a male ally might counter by asking, “Would we say the same if a man made that point?”

💡This prompts reflection on gender biases and helps to normalize assertiveness as a strength for everyone.

3. Advocating for Equal Opportunities

If a man notices that most high-visibility projects are assigned to male colleagues, he can recommend a qualified woman for the next project, or suggest adding her to the team, acknowledging her skills and ensuring she gets similar advancement opportunities.

4. Listening and Learning

A male ally might arrange a one-on-one with a female colleague to understand her career challenges.

💡He can ask questions like, “What could the company or team do better to support you?” and listen openly, showing empathy and support.

5. Promoting Work-Life Balance

When a male leader supports policies like flexible work hours or speaks openly about taking time off for family responsibilities, he sets an example that work-life balance is important for everyone, which helps reduce the stigma women often face around these needs.

Why is it important for men to be allies to women in the workplace?

1. Promotes Diversity and Inclusion

Allyship fosters a more inclusive work culture, which benefits everyone. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and make better decisions, contributing to overall organizational success.

2. Reduces Gender Bias and Inequality

When men actively challenge gender biases and advocate for equality, it reduces discriminatory practices. This creates fairer opportunities for women, helping to close gender gaps in leadership, pay, and career advancement.

3. Improves Team Morale and Engagement

Women who feel supported and valued are more engaged and motivated at work. Male allyship contributes to a respectful environment where all team members feel encouraged to perform at their best, leading to higher morale.

4. Sets a Positive Example

When men model allyship, they set a standard for other men to follow, normalizing the expectation that everyone should contribute to a culture of equity. This has a lasting impact on the organization’s culture and values.

5. Increases Retention of Women

A supportive and inclusive environment makes women more likely to stay in their roles and progress within the company. Reducing turnover saves on recruitment and training costs and preserves institutional knowledge.

6. Builds Stronger Work Relationships

Allyship creates an environment of trust and respect between colleagues. Men who support their female colleagues foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, enhancing teamwork and professional relationships.

7. Contributes to Broader Social Change

When men advocate for gender equality at work, it has a ripple effect beyond the office, promoting greater social change. Workplace allyship can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and advance gender equity across society.

Women can benefit from male allyship in several significant ways:

- Male allies amplify women’s voices and contributions in the workplace, helping them gain recognition and opportunities for advancement that they might otherwise miss.

- Male allies introduce women to powerful networks, helping them build valuable professional relationships.

- They advocate for women when it comes to promotions, raises, and leadership roles, helping to level the playing field and reduce biases in decision-making processes.

- They foster an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and challenges, which can lead to greater understanding and collaboration on workplace issues.

- They provide mentorship, sharing their experiences and insights on navigating the workplace, which can be especially valuable for women who are earlier in their careers.

- Having male allies provides women with additional support and validation, reinforcing their confidence in their abilities and decisions, especially in male-dominated industries.

Robert Ingersoll: “We rise by lifting others.”