How men, women, and businesses benefit from male allyship training

If you think gender equality work only benefits women, think again. When an organisation makes cultural and structural changes to tackle gender inequality, we all win. Everyone in the business and even the business itself. 

In this article we’ll look at: 

• What male allyship means 
• How male allyship benefits men’s mental wellbeing and careers 
• How male allyship benefits women in the workplace 
• How male allyship leads to better business and greater profits 

First, let’s define what a male ally is. 

What does male allyship mean? 

Male allyship is men leveraging their privilege to make gender equality happen. Allyship is about unity, so male allies unite with women. They listen in order to understand what needs to happen to achieve gender equity, and work alongside women to make it happen. Male allies do not act off unfounded whims or charge in to ‘save’ the day. 

For more insights into why male allyship is so important, read our blog. Why male allyship is important today and for the future. 

How allyship training helps men 

Many men worry that gender equity means they will have to lose out on opportunities or sacrifice what they already have. This can look like thinking that unqualified women will be hired simply because they’re women. Or that they will now be passed over for promotions or projects now because they’re a man.

We can’t stress enough that this isn’t the case. Men don’t have to lose out in order for women to gain – it’s not a zero sum game. And in fact, men report gaining both personally and professionally after engaging in allyship training.  

Here are some of the ways that men benefit from gender equality initiatives in the workplace: 

• Inclusive workplace environments that champion healthy masculinity means men are better supported and able to ask for help, resulting in better mental health and wellbeing 
• Flexible working and equal paternity leave means fathers can spend important time with their partners and children, without judgment from their managers and peers
• Moving away from gender stereotypes means men have the freedom to step into their whole self – like pursuing caring careers such as education and nursing which society has previously discouraged them from
• Practising inclusive leadership develops curiosity, active listening, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, which means greater job satisfaction and career opportunities as well as more cohesive and productive teams 

The benefits from the workplace can also spill into men’s personal lives. Like being more compassionate to themselves and other men. So, when there’s actually so much to gain, it’s important that we correct the notion that gender equality threatens men and their opportunities. 

How allyship training helps women 

Many barriers and biases that women face in the workplace can be unknown to male colleagues and managers. However, ‘small things’ like gender-based microaggressions and being left out compound over time which results in a career of feeling alienated, undervalued, and underpaid.

Fairer hiring and promotion practices will mean that women are properly represented in the workplace. While greater understanding and appreciation through culture change means they’re in an environment they actually want to stay in.

Shared parental leave reduces the motherhood penalty that women face. Current gender stereotypes mean mother’s careers are negatively impacted because fathers are discouraged from taking (what little) paternity leave they’re entitled to.

How allyship training helps business 

More minds are better than one, and a diverse team comes up with a broader realm of ideas and solutions. In terms of gender representation, organisations with gender-diverse boards and senior management:

• Innovate more
• Produce more
• Make more money
• Have happier employees
• Retain their employees for longer

A report from the UK Government agrees. ‘Companies in the top 25% for gender diversity on their executive team were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the bottom 25%’. 

When women are given fair opportunities and men are equipped with new leadership skills from their allyship training, teams perform better and the bottom line grows. When people are working in an environment where they can be their true selves at work, teams gel better and are in it for the long haul. No more wasting time and money on the revolving door or wondering why the women who join your company at senior and c-suite levels leave after a short time. 

What’s involved in male allyship training? 

At Male Allies UK, we consult with you, co-create a plan, and then take action. We create a safe space during our sessions and meet everyone where they’re at.

We start by raising awareness about the barriers and biases that women face at work that men might not know about. Then we move into how to spot gender inequity and how to do something about it. We also talk about how being an ally is a journey where mistakes will happen, but they’re all learning experiences.

We use both personal stories and research findings to bring our work to life. Combined with practical steps to put their allyship into action, everyone leaves our workshops with the understanding and tools necessary to start their allyship journey.  

Where to get male allyship training 

We’ve facilitated male allyship training and delivered keynote speeches to a wide range of organisations and sectors throughout the UK. Our workshop topics range from healthy masculinity to the menopause – visit our services page to find out more.