Open Managers ‘Key’ to Challenging Sexism at Work

New research has revealed that more than six out of 10 men who experience high levels of ‘manager openness’ are more likely to interrupt and challenge sexist comments and attitudes at work.

The Catalyst study entitled When Managers Are Open, Men Feel Heard and Interrupt Sexism, found that 62% of men who work with managers who are open to hearing and considering their ideas ­ are more likely directly interrupt a sexist comment; compared to only 35% of men who feel less heard.

Additionally, the study of over 2,100 men across Europe, found that 79% of men who experience high levels of manager openness reported feeling heard at high levels; compared to just 34% of men who experience low levels of manager openness. 

EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

There was some variation by country in the percentages reported, but the pattern remained steady.

• France: 69% of men reported high levels of manager openness, compared to 34% with low levels of manager openness. 
• Germany: 59% of men revealed high levels of manager openness, compared to 34% with low levels of manager openness. 
• Italy: 66% of men confirmed high levels of manager openness, compared to 28% with low levels of manager openness. 
• Netherlands: 56% of men reported high levels of manager openness, compared to 40% with low levels of manager openness. 
• Sweden: 59% of men revealed high levels of manager openness, compared to 32% with low levels of manager openness. 
• United Kingdom: 62% of men confirmed high levels of manager openness, compared to 42% with low levels of manager openness.

POSITIVE STRATEGIES TO FIGHT SEXISM

Catalyst researchers Negin Sattari, Sarah DiMuccio and MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) senior director Ludo Gabriele noted that these findings highlight the unique position that managers hold in contributing to a workplace culture; where employees feel that their voices are welcome; even when directly challenging sexism.

“Managers who are open to employee ideas and, more broadly, workplaces that make employees feel as if they are heard in general can create environments in which men are encouraged to speak up in the face of sexist comments,” stated Dr Sattari. “These findings offer a positive strategy that organisations and leaders can promote to fight sexism.”

The research encourages managers to demonstrate openness by:

1. Opening their eyes and ears: Making a conscious effort to find out who their employees are as complete humans with interests, obligations, and experiences outside of their work lives. 
2. Having open hearts: Fostering humility and authenticity by valuing a growth mindset over perfectionism. 
3. Opening their minds: Not undervaluing “people skills”; content expertise may be an important aspect of job performance, but how work gets done should be as important as what gets done.

INTERRUPTING SEXISM AT WORK

“This study highlights how crucial managers are in creating an environment where people feel safe to call out and interrupt sexism,” commented Catalyst’s Executive Director of Europe, Middle East & Africa, Allyson Zimmermann. “The idea of openness may be new to some; but encouraging and implementing these practices will ultimately break the cycle of sexism in the workplace.”

Catalyst engages men leaders as role models and influencers for gender equity through its flagship programme MARC. Interrupting Sexism at Work is a research initiative from MARC exploring organisational conditions that encourage or discourage men from responding when they witness incidences of sexism in the workplace. This report is the fourth in the series. Click here for more information.

The majority of working women around the world feel less valued at work; and lag behind men on sense of belonging, according to another survey. Click here to read more.