The #MeToo movement has brought much-needed attention to workplace harassment and inequality. It’s also had some unintended consequences, including reports of men avoiding women in the workplace.
Some men report feeling anxious about potentially misinterpreting social cues or accidentally causing offense. Others worry about false accusations or professional repercussions.
But when men are actively avoiding women at work, it creates a chilling effect that can undermine women’s career advancement, limit networking opportunities, and perpetuate existing inequalities.
This article explores some of the reasons behind this phenomenon of men avoiding women, discusses the negative consequences, and offers practical solutions for creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces.