How to be a male ally in the workplace: A guide for positive change

At E.ON, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. 

Male allies play a crucial role in creating a more equitable workplace by supporting their female colleagues, challenging biases, and advocating for fairness. But what does it mean to be a male ally, and how can men make a meaningful and positive impact?

Listen and learn

Being an ally starts with understanding the challenges women face in the workplace. Take the time to listen to the experiences of your colleagues without interrupting or becoming defensive. Seek out resources such as books, podcasts, and training programmes that explore gender bias and workplace equality – you are bound to find an outlet that you enjoy and learn from at the same time.

Challenge bias and speak up

Gender biases — both conscious and unconscious — are deeply ingrained in workplace cultures, and indeed in society as whole. As a male ally, you have the power to challenge these biases when you see them. If a female colleague is being talked over in a meeting, step in to support her voice. If someone makes an inappropriate comment, address it constructively. Silence can be perceived as being complicit, so speaking up is essential.

Advocate for equal opportunities

Encourage and support women in accessing the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Actively advocate for your female colleagues by recognising their strengths and recommending them for leadership roles, speaking engagements and professional development opportunities. Foster an environment where women feel confident to step forward and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to contribute to important meetings and high-profile projects.

Engage in mentoring and sponsoring women

Use your position and influence to uplift female colleagues. Mentorship helps women build confidence and advance their careers, while sponsorship — actively advocating for promotions and leadership opportunities — has an even greater impact. If you’re in a position of power, use it to support and elevate the talented women in your organisation.

Create a safe and inclusive environment.

Workplace culture plays a massive role in making women feel valued and respected. Ensure that meetings, networking events, and social gatherings are inclusive. E.ON’s policies support work-life balance for everyone, such as flexible working hours and parental leave for all genders, so this needs to be reflected in how we treat each other too.

Be open and receptive to feedback

Being a male ally is an ongoing learning process that requires continuous self-reflection and a willingness to grow. Be open to feedback from female colleagues about how you can improve, and actively seek out their perspectives rather than waiting for them to come to you. When someone points out a bias or misstep, take it as an opportunity to learn rather than becoming defensive. Acknowledge the feedback, ask questions to understand the issue better, and take concrete steps to change your behaviour. This not only strengthens trust between colleagues but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Final thoughts

Being a male ally in the workplace is about more than just good intentions — it requires active engagement, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By taking these steps, you can contribute to a more inclusive, fair, and supportive work environment for everyone at E.ON.

We're delighted that our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive workplace have earned us a position in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List for nine years in a row. To find out why we’ve consistently made the list, check out our latest Inclusion Report.

Let’s work together to build a workplace where equality isn’t just an aspiration but a reality.