What is the role of men in making workplaces safe?
Men have their share of responsibility in creating a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees, including women.
Here are some actions/steps that men can take in the workplace to support & promote safety for women at workplace:
Educate Yourself
Men should educate themselves on what constitutes harassment and unsafe practices in the workplace.
Be aware of your behavior
Men should be aware of their behavior and actions towards women in the workplace, and ensure that they are respectful, professional & free from harassment.
Encourage Open Communication
Encourage open communication between male and female colleagues & create an environment where women feel comfortable raising safety concerns or reporting incidents of harassment.
Support women in their safety concerns
If a female colleague expresses concern about their safety in the workplace, take their concerns seriously and offer support in finding a solution.
Acknowledge the problem
The first step towards promoting women's safety in the workplace is acknowledging the problem. Men should validate the experiences of women and contribute to holding HR departments & upper management accountable for maintaining a positive work environment through constructive feedback based on the happenings in the workplace.
Be supportive & believe survivors
Supportive individuals who believe in and advocate for survivors in the workplace can create a safe culture for everyone.
Foster inclusivity
Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in which everyone feels valued and free from prejudice and bias. Often, different perspectives from diverse individuals may help challenge the unsafe work practices, which men can be supportive and a part of.
Advocate for policies & procedures that prioritize safety
Advocate for workplace policies and procedures that prioritize the safety of all employees, regardless of gender.
Speak up if you witness harassment
Men must speak up against any harassment they may witness or become aware of in the workplace. This includes stepping in to stop the harassment & reporting it to the appropriate individual like Legal Officer or HR department.
Be a Role Model
Men can lead by example by demonstrating appropriate behavior and creating general awareness in the workplace.
Build social connections
Men can build social connections with female colleagues through common interests, being open for mutual learning, and sharing feedback.
Participate in workplace training
Attend any training sessions related to workplace safety and harassment prevention to stay informed and learn how to be an ally to women in the workplace.
