In an interview with Joe Rogan last month, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg made a plea for companies to embrace more “masculine energy.” Zuckerberg went on to say, “A culture that celebrates aggression a bit more has its own merits.”
In a Fast Company article earlier this month, the conversation is revolving around how women are fighting back.
While some argue that a more aggressive work culture fosters innovation and competition, others see this as a step backward, reinforcing outdated patriarchal structures that have historically marginalized women and other underrepresented groups.
Sarah M. Worthy, CEO of DoorSpace, shares some insight into this.
“Women should not have to constantly tiptoe and make adjustments to placate abusive men in professional settings. We are there to do our jobs – not exist in a way that men find simultaneously unthreatening and appealing.”
Women Pushing Back Against Workplace Misogyny
Following Zuckerberg’s remarks, Fast Company published an article earlier this month highlighting the ways in which women are resisting these outdated expectations. Rather than conforming to male-dominated work environments that reward aggression over collaboration, many women are pushing for a new professional paradigm—one that values emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and respect.
However, some leaders argue that these conversations still place too much responsibility on women to adapt, rather than demanding that men change their behavior.
Worthy’s sentiments demonstrate a critical issue: when workplace culture prioritizes aggression and competitiveness over collaboration and respect, it often creates an environment where toxic masculinity thrives. This leads to issues such as workplace harassment, pay disparities, and an overall lack of inclusivity, particularly in male-dominated industries like tech and finance.
The Problem With “Masculine Energy” in the Workplace
While some leaders believe that a more aggressive culture leads to higher performance, research suggests otherwise. Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams and inclusive cultures tend to outperform their competitors. This is because workplaces that value collaboration, open communication, and diverse perspectives foster more creativity and innovation.
By contrast, when workplaces emphasize traits traditionally associated with masculinity—such as dominance, aggression, and competition—it can create an environment where employees, particularly women, feel undervalued or excluded. Worthy argues that the burden should not be on women to navigate these spaces carefully but rather on companies to rethink their expectations and cultural norms.
“Incel culture has no place in a work setting – the few men who subscribe to that mentality need to adjust their behavior, not the other way around. People have spent too many years trying to fit into a mold created and upheld by antiquated patriarchal values. Instead, we should be building a new mold entirely and leave the old way behind,” Worthy explains.
Changing the Mold: A New Approach to Workplace Culture
The idea of reshaping workplace culture isn’t just about rejecting toxic masculinity—it’s about creating an environment where all employees feel empowered to succeed. Many organizations are already making strides in this direction by:
- Fostering Inclusive Leadership: Companies that prioritize diversity in leadership positions are more likely to create environments where collaboration and innovation thrive.
- Redefining Success Metrics: Rather than valuing aggressive behavior, businesses can emphasize qualities like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- Implementing Stronger HR Policies: Addressing harassment and discrimination head-on, rather than allowing problematic behavior to persist under the guise of “cultural fit” or “leadership style.”
- Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Research has shown that emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the strongest predictors of effective leadership. Companies that reward EQ alongside technical skills are more likely to foster a positive workplace culture.
The Future of Work: Beyond Outdated Gender Norms
The debate over gender dynamics in the workplace isn’t new, but Zuckerberg’s comments have reignited frustrations among those who believe corporate culture is still designed to benefit men at the expense of women. While women continue to push back against these outdated ideals, many argue that real change will only come when men take responsibility for reshaping workplace norms as well.
As more leaders speak out against toxic masculinity in professional settings, it’s clear that the future of work will not be built on outdated notions of aggression and dominance. Instead, companies that prioritize inclusivity, respect, and emotional intelligence will be the ones that succeed in the long run.
