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Toxic masculinity affects everyone’s experience in the workplace by promoting prejudice and stunting advancement. For a more inclusive setting, it’s time to rethink masculinity.
When masculinity changes, workplaces flourish because strength, inclusion, and empathy can coexist.
Toxic masculinity is a term often misunderstood and misinterpreted. At its core, it distorts what it means to be masculine. While masculinity can positively embody traits like strength, leadership, and care, toxic masculinity takes these to harmful extremes. It equates vulnerability with weakness, views power as domination, and discourages emotional openness. When these harmful traits thrive, they create toxic environments that negatively impact the workplaces.
In India, masculinity is deeply rooted in societal and cultural expectations. Traditionally, men have been seen as providers and protectors, roles that often demand authority and emotional restraint. These norms influence workplace dynamics, where toxic masculinity often manifests in authoritarian management styles and hyper-competitive environments. This environment can marginalise employees, stemming from rigid definitions of what it means to “be a man.” The result is an environment that harms everyone involved.
Toxic masculinity in the workplace creates far-reaching consequences for both men and women, undermining well-being and organisational success. Women often face direct impacts, including discrimination, harassment, and microaggressions that limit their ability to thrive. Women in leadership roles face criticism, often being labelled “too aggressive” for behaviours that are praised in men. A woman’s ideas might be dismissed in a meeting but later accepted when repeated by a male colleague. This constant undervaluing of women’s contributions stifles their growth and perpetuates exclusion.
Men also bear the weight of toxic masculinity. The pressure to meet unrealistic standards of dominance and strength creates immense mental strain and emotional strain. Many men avoid seeking support or expressing vulnerability, fearing it could be perceived as weakness. This emotional suppression often leads to chronic stress, burnout, and even physical health issues. They may overwork to prove their ambition, sacrificing health and personal relationships, or avoid seeking help for stress, fearing it might appear as weakness, further exacerbating the negative effects of a toxic work culture.
Addressing toxic masculinity in the workplace requires a commitment to cultural change. Employees need to be educated about what toxic masculinity is and how it affects workplace dynamics. Creating safe spaces where individuals can express concerns and emotions without fear of judgement is essential. Leadership styles must also evolve, prioritising collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity over authoritarian approaches. Leaders should model positive behaviours, setting the tone for an inclusive and supportive environment. Male employees play a critical role as allies by challenging toxic norms and supporting marginalised colleagues.
Toxic masculinity in the workplace is a problem that affects everyone. By redefining masculinity to include traits like empathy, vulnerability, and inclusivity, workplaces can transform into spaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive. In a rapidly evolving country like India, addressing toxic masculinity is essential for fostering workplaces that are inclusive.
(With inputs by Pothen Jacob, Partner & Principal Consultant. Interweave Consulting)
