Allyship in Action: 7 Steps For Men To Champion Women in the Workplace

In today’s workplace, conversations around gender aren’t just for women. And allyship is bigger than simply being supportive; it’s taking action to ensure that women are heard, valued, and given the same opportunities to grow and lead.

However, many men hesitate to engage in these discussions. Some worry about saying the wrong thing, while others aren’t sure how to help. The truth is, allyship doesn’t have to be complicated; it just takes awareness, intentionality, and commitment.

Consider that women express lower job satisfaction with 24 out of the 26 measures in The Conference Board’s 2024 Job Satisfaction Survey, continuing a 7-year trend that began in 2017. Moreover, according to a separate 2024 survey, women report less satisfaction and confidence compared to men when it comes to learning and development. Not to mention, despite decades of effort, the compensation gap between genders remains. Then there are these additional findings:

• Women’s representation in leadership roles declines with each step up the corporate ladder.
• Two-thirds of moms considered leaving the workforce last year due to the stress and cost of childcare, with the highest percentage among Gen Z at 82%.
• Women accounted for 59% of unpaid caregivers in 2021-2022.
• Only 35% of moms over 30 report sharing equal household duties with their partners.

So, what can men do to be better allies to women in the workplace? Let’s explore some practical, meaningful ways to step up, speak out, and help create a workplace where everyone thrives.

1. Start by Listening and Learning

One of the biggest mistakes male allies make is assuming they already understand the challenges women face at work. But real allyship starts with active listening.

• Listen to women’s experienceswithout interrupting or dismissing them.
• Ask thoughtful questions: “What challenges do you face that I might not be aware of?”
• Educate yourself: Read books, articles, and studies on gender equity. Some great reads include Lean Inby Sheryl Sandberg and The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez.
• Attend trainingsto better understand issues outside of your own lived experience.

When men take the time to listen and learn, they gain insights that challenge their assumptions and help them become more effective allies.

2. Challenge Preconceived Ideas When You See It

Preconceived ideas—whether conscious or unconscious—is one of the biggest obstacles to workplace equality. It shows up in hiring decisions, promotions, meeting dynamics, and performance evaluations.

Male allies can help by:

• Calling out preconceived ideas in real-time: If a woman’s idea is ignored in a meeting, say: “I think Sarah made an important point earlier—let’s go back to that.”
• Reframing leadership expectations: Challenge comments like,
  “She’s too aggressive,”by asking, “Would we say the same thing about a man?”
• Ensuring equal credit: Women’s contributions are often overlooked. Make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
• Supporting range of perspectives on hiring panels: Advocate for more women in leadership roles and on interview teams to ensure all perspectives are considered when hiring.

Preconceived ideas thrive in silence. Speaking up can make a huge difference in shifting workplace norms.

3. Amplify Women’s Voices

A powerful way to be an ally is to use your platform to amplify women’s voices, especially in male-dominated industries.

• Give women the mic: If you’re invited to speak on a panel and notice no women are included, suggest a female colleague.
• Advocate for women in leadership: When discussing promotions, ask, “Are we considering all qualified candidates, including women?”
• Support women in meetings: If a woman is interrupted, say, “Let’s let Lisa finish her point first.”

4. Be a Sponsor, Not Just a Mentor

Many men understand the value of mentorship, but sponsorship is even more impactful.

• Mentorship= Offering advice and guidance.
• Sponsorship= Actively advocating for someone’s career advancement.

Men in leadership could sponsor talented women by:

• Recommending them for high-visibility projects.
• Speaking their name in promotion discussions.
• Making introductions to senior leaders.
• Encouraging them to take on leadership roles.

Research shows that women with sponsors are 22% more likely to advance in their careers. If you’re in a position of power, use it to uplift women around you.

5. Advocate for Family-Friendly Policies

Workplaces often reward behaviors that assume employees don’t have caregiving responsibilities. This disproportionately impacts women, who still shoulder the majority of household and childcare duties.

Male allies can push for policies that support work-life balance, such as:

• Paid parental leave for both parents: This normalizes caregiving for men, reducing preconceived ideas against working mothers.
• Flexible work hours and remote work: Accommodating work options helps all employees balance professional and personal responsibilities.
• Normalizing taking leave. Men could model using paid time off and parental leave to encourage cultural change.

When men advocate for family-friendly policies, they help create an environment that works for everyone.

6. Hold Other Men Accountable

True allyship means challenging other men when they perpetuate bias, discrimination, or exclusion.

• If a colleague makes a sexist joke, say: “That’s not appropriate.”
• If a hiring decision seems rushed, ask: “Are we evaluating all candidates fairly?”
• If an all-male panel is assembled, suggest: “We need more perspectives; let’s include women.”

Many men don’t realize their behaviors can contribute to workplace equality or inequality. By holding peers accountable, you help create a culture of respect and fairness.

7. Show Up—Even When It’s Uncomfortable

Allyship isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up consistently.

Attend women’s leadership events and ensure that you are actively listening more than contributing. Participate in gender parity initiatives, even when it’s not convenient. Speak up when it matters, not only when women are in the room.

It might feel uncomfortable at first; however, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Women shouldn’t be the only ones pushing for change—men have a stake in this, too.

Final Thoughts: Allyship is a Daily Practice

Being an ally isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. The most effective allies listen, learn, and take action in ways that challenge the status quo and create lasting change. When they make mistakes, they own up to them, educate themselves on what they can do differently next time, and then move on to make sure the work continues.

If you’re a man in the workplace wondering how to make a difference, start with these steps:

• Listen to women’s experiences.
• Call out preconceived ideas when you see it.
• Amplify women’s voices.
• Sponsor and mentor women.
• Advocate for better policies and support initiatives.
• Hold other men accountable.

Small actions, taken consistently, can lead to big changes. The workplace thrives when everyone has a fair chance to contribute and succeed.

In what ways have you seen men able to make a positive difference on polices that impact women? What tips would you offer someone that sees something unfair in the workplace?

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