Men At Work explores a shift in how workplace equality is approached, arguing that progress depends not only on supporting women but also on actively engaging men. The book starts from a simple but often overlooked premise: while women continue to face structural barriers, many men are also constrained by rigid expectations around masculinity, leadership, and success.
Building on this, the book introduces the concept of “gender partnership.” Rather than positioning men as passive allies, it presents them as equally responsible participants in creating inclusive environments. This approach emphasizes mutual accountability, shared benefits, and practical collaboration across genders. Drawing on research and global workplace examples, the book shows how this shift can lead to stronger performance, innovation, and a greater sense of belonging.
A key focus lies in challenging the so-called “man box”—the set of expectations that encourage men to be competitive, stoic, and emotionally restrained. By addressing these norms, the book argues, organizations can unlock more authentic leadership styles and enable broader participation in inclusion efforts.
Throughout, the book combines data, personal stories, and practical frameworks designed for real-world application. It offers guidance for leaders and teams on how to move beyond symbolic DEI initiatives and towards more embedded, sustainable change. Importantly, it frames inclusion as a shared gain rather than a trade-off, making the case that workplaces function better when everyone is able to contribute fully.
Overall, Men At Work positions gender equality as a collective effort—one that requires rethinking roles, expectations, and systems to create environments where both women and men can thrive.
About the Author
Jennifer McCollum is a business leader, speaker, and consultant focused on advancing inclusive leadership and workplace equity. She is the President and CEO of Catalyst, a global nonprofit organization that works with companies to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women. With more than 25 years of experience in leadership development and organizational transformation, she has worked extensively with executives and teams to translate inclusion strategies into practical action.
Before joining Catalyst, she served as CEO of Linkage Inc., a leadership development firm dedicated to advancing women in leadership and driving organizational change. Her work consistently bridges research and practice, combining data-driven insights with real-world application. In addition to Men At Work, she is the author of In Her Own Voice, which focuses on women’s leadership journeys and career advancement.
Her approach emphasizes that inclusive leadership is not a separate initiative but a core capability for modern organizations. Through her writing and advisory work, she focuses on helping leaders create environments where diverse talent can succeed and contribute fully.
