The UN Women’s definition of the manosphere is ‘A vast network of online communities, forums, and influencers that promote aggressive definitions of masculinity, anti-feminist views, and often, deep-seated misogyny. These spaces frequently target young men and boys, offering a sense of community alongside highly toxic ideologies.’

What a fucked up place to find yourself. 

We know that our readers are at no risk of entering these toxic, misogynistic spaces, but your male co-worker may well be.

79% of readers from our market research feel they have experienced sexism in the workplace. This could include microaggressions, discrimination from employers, unfair working conditions or other examples.  

Alongside five red flags which indicate your co-worker is a member of the manosphere, we have included some anonymous examples of sexism in the workplace from our workplace experience survey, to prove that manosphere mannerisms are rife in the workplace.

I- Is for interrupting. Men of the manosphere will likely assume that what they have to say is more pressing and more important than what you have to say, even if you started speaking first. 

It is adjacent to mansplaining, another chronically condescending behaviour which has unfortunately existed long before the manosphere did.

An anonymous answer from our Workplace Experience Survey says:

“I had a meeting where I was co-chairing with the Senior VP. He started speaking over me instantly. We weren’t a united front.

“Afterwards we had a 1-1 where I told him I was disappointed in how it went, I am newer to the business and those we were presenting to – it was a moment for showing my brand and who I am but he didn’t let me have that opportunity.

“He apologised profusely and asked how he could help get me into rooms with other and bigger stakeholders to support how I will grow and build my brand – I really rated him for this and it was a real turn around on how angry I was from the meeting. He has been one of my biggest supporters ever since’’.

This proves that while manosphere mentality is far too common in the workplace, there is also potential for behaviour to change and improve.

N- Is for narrow-minded. The manosphere is dogmatic in that it prescribes itself as the only correct way for a man to live his life. In the workplace this can present itself as a male colleague being unwilling to admit when he is wrong. 

One anonymous answer from the Workplace Experience Survey says: “There have been occasions where I have been challenged about the amount of unpaid leave I have requested for childcare. On one occasion I had to contact the Employee Relations helpline and review several workplace policies to understand my rights before discussing it with my area manager.

“After raising this he agreed that I was within my rights, but resolved the matter with minimal acknowledgement or apology. The way it was approached made me feel as though I was misusing my unpaid leave.’’

C- Is for comments. This verbal red flag is a common way of realising that your colleague is  in the manosphere.

Their sense of entitlement inevitably spills into their conversations, usually resulting in them sounding very stupid, as demonstrated by Theroux when he interviewed some of the manosphere’s most idolised influencers.

Two separate anonymous submissions from our Workplace Experience survey said: ‘’I have received comments from older punters and bosses’’.

And: “My coworker calling me ‘sweetie’’’. 

E- Is for expectation. ‘Entitlement’ was mentioned in the last red flag and unfortunately the manosphere’s expectations of women needs a red flag of its own.

Expecting women to act, speak and respond in a certain way stems from the assumed ‘knowledge’ about the nature of men and women that the manosphere claims. This one is particularly infuriating because of the sense of superiority associated with manosphere men.

One answer from our Workplace Experience survey said: ‘’I was expected to pose for promo photos over men’’.

L- Is for loser. Harsh, but true. Theroux’s manosphere documentary explained that the influencers profiting from the manosphere prey on lonely, insecure men who are looking for confidence, validation and all the answers to their problems. 

On a more compassionate note, keep an eye out for any colleagues who seem quieter than usual. Challenges with mental health make people vulnerable to unhealthy influences and whilst manosphere men have terrible ideas, many their problems are real and actually experienced by us too:

@yourmoneymatesarah Excuse the stain I dropped some of my dinner on my hoodie gawking at the screen when that man said “look around what have women invented” 🫠 Also I don’t mean to say “real women” and imply the women going on these podcasts aren’t – I just mean everyday women. What are you thoughts? #manosphere #louistheroux #patriarchy #feminism ♬ original sound – Your money mate, Sarah ❀

With that said, the harsh reality is that men who have been converted to the manosphere may be hard to get through to, and no one can be blamed for prioritising their own safety wellbeing. 

If your coworker fits in all five of these categories:

Then they’ve spelled things out for you. Do not hesitate to escalate a situation to higher management and do not remain silent if the bullshit is persisting.

The harsh reality of the workplace is that even reporting the actions of a manosphere man does not guarantee action. 

Our workplace experience survey received one report which says: “I was investigated for an incident but the male manager on shift was not”.

Whilst we do not know the details of the situation, the answer shows that escalating an incident will not necessarily result in it being resolved appropriately. 

Whilst those who subscribe to the manosphere continue to cause problems for the rest of us, it’s important to keep our allies close. People we trust can support us emotionally and act as witnesses to incidents resulting from the members of the manosphere.

Be ready for the ‘green flag’ version of this piece, where we will be listing all of the positive traits to look for in a male colleague, so you can know whether or not they can be counted on as allies in the workplace.