How to Be an Ally to Women in the Workplace

If the future really is going to be female, now’s the time to become an ally

Equality in the workplace is something women have been hoping to see for decades. While some strides have been made, there’s still a long way to go.

In a study led by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, global companies reported that as the number of women increased in their leadership and board member roles, so did their profit margins.

It isn't rocketing science to see why: companies are more creative and effective with more diverse perspectives. And that can only happen with diverse teams.

There are many strategies you can start now to make yourself an ally for females in the office. And in this case, actions do speak louder than words, so it’s time to get to work.

Examine your employee structure

Start by taking a look at your current organizational map. How many women are at the top? In the middle? At the bottom?

If the top is made up entirely of men, consider the kind of message you’re sending out to the world. Diverse leadership is something that new employees and executive candidates alike are noticing more and more when they are searching for a workplace. So, now is the time to make a change.

You’ll never know how you can improve until you have all the facts.

Once you know what your structure looks like, remember that it doesn’t mean you should start firing all the male executives. It means that your company needs to create more opportunities for women to move up the ladder. It means that you should rethink bureaucratic promotions and really consider who is best for the job.

Speak up

It’s not enough to support equality as a concept. Now is the time to stand up for women with your actions.

If you’re in a room full of men and someone makes a sexist or inappropriate comment, don’t just stand idly by. Say something. Be the change that will correct this behavior, which only serves to boost up the “boys’ club” culture that’s been around for so long.

Females in the office are not there to be eye candy. Stop this viewpoint in its tracks when you hear it. Stand up for women who you know have worked as hard, if not harder, than all those men making derogatory comments.

Shift your flexibility policies

Offices that support female employees and leaders offer a wide range of flexible work arrangements. Look at your maternity leave policy and update it to accommodate working women better. This is one of the most effective ways to create a balanced workplace because it helps to level the playing field.

Once you’ve revamped your flexibility policies, like part-time work after maternity leave, work-from-home arrangements, or flexible schedules, don’t forget to encourage women to take advantage of them. It won’t do any good if you “technically” offer these arrangements but look down upon those that actually use them.

Spread information

Educating employees will help them recognize what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Hold seminars and make them mandatory. Send around online training that employees have to complete, and quiz them once they’re done.

Reinforce in training and messages that discrimination based on gender will not be tolerated. If people have an issue with these standards, it will probably become clear fast, and you can see who you need to target or if someone needs to go.

Show how you’re addressing diversity

It’s no longer enough for leadership to say they are addressing diversity issues. Those in charge need to act now.

When creating hiring plans, encourage all managers to think about the importance of a diverse workplace. Create opportunities for women to receive promotions and raises. Put them in the driver’s seat.

Then, show employees actual stats of how things have changed.

Listen. Let women speak

It’s been an ongoing problem that women in the workplace are interrupted, bullied, or not taken seriously. This behavior can be ended with simple gestures.

For instance, if you notice a woman is being interrupted in a meeting by a male, comment that she wasn’t done talking and give her the opportunity to finish speaking. This simple gesture can effect change throughout the workplace. And, it will empower women instead of silencing them.

Listen to females. It’s simple. Treat them with basic human decency and don’t let them be walked all over at work.

It’s easy for men to blame gender inequality on women, claiming they need to work harder to make their way to success or act more confident. But the truth is, men need to address these issues, too. Many of these problems exist because of men’s outdated views of what an office should look like.

Don’t wait to act. Now’s the time to become an ally to women in the workplace.

For more valuable insights from successful business leaders, visit our blog or podcast at Paper Napkin Wisdom.