Why reducing gender inequality in the workplace is a team effort

For gender inequality to be eradicated, members of all genders must actively work together to solve the problem. However, few men are doing so, said author and gender bias expert Andie Kramer.

Writing for Forbes, she identified five principal reasons why men may not be working to reduce inequality in the workplace. These include not believing gender equality would make their lives better; the fear of backlash should they actively advocate for gender equality; not being sure what to say or do; lacking direction on the exact actions to take; and an unwillingness to take time away from busy schedules.

These, Kramer explained, can be resolved by a few changes. Workplace leaders need to shift the focus of diversity, equity and inclusivity (DE&I) initiatives to building fair, equal and inclusive workplace experiences, where all employees are supported and information shared. Leaders should also encourage non-defensive, blame-free conversations between genders, and communicate clear, specific instructions about the role they can play in DE&I efforts.

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Kramer also recommended that male employees take additional steps to prevent exclusionary behaviour like bullying, microaggressions, and harassment; create processes free from unconscious biasness; and guard against discriminatory processes in the selection of leaders. 

“When men are concerned that they don’t know how to get involved in DEI efforts, they simply need to be reminded of the positive, proactive steps they can take,” she concluded.