Rethinking Workplace Energy: Why Mark Zuckerberg’s “Masculine Energy” Comment Misses the Mark

In a recent comment, Mark Zuckerberg suggested that the workplace needs more “masculine energy,” sparking significant debate about the role of gendered traits in the workplace.

While his intention might have been to emphasise qualities like assertiveness—traits often labeled as “masculine”—the framing of this statement risks perpetuating outdated stereotypes and ignoring a more pressing workplace reality: the burnout epidemic among women, exacerbated by the pressure to adopt traditionally masculine traits to succeed.

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The Burnout Epidemic

Women are leaving workplaces or experiencing burnout at an unprecedented rate. Research shows that women often feel compelled to emulate behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity—such as assertiveness, competitiveness, and emotional detachment—to thrive in environments designed with men in mind. This “overcompensation trap” can lead to exhaustion, disengagement, and diminished well-being, ultimately harming both individuals and organizations.

In my TED Talk, ‘Divine Feminine Burned Out‘ I address how the imbalanced adoption of masculine traits in workplaces does more harm than good. Instead of asking women to adapt to existing norms, organisations should be rethinking what success and leadership truly mean—and how we can create environments where everyone can excel by embracing their authentic selves.

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Why the “Masculine Energy” Argument Is Misguided

1. Gender Traits Are Not Binary
   Labeling qualities like decisiveness or assertiveness as “masculine” and compassion or collaboration as “feminine” reinforces unhelpful stereotypes. The reality is that these traits exist on a spectrum, and all employees, regardless of gender, can embody and benefit from a blend of these qualities. Effective workplaces require a balance of attributes—creativity, empathy, decisiveness, and resilience—not a rigid adherence to gendered norms.
2. It Ignores the Cost of Overemphasis
   Workplaces historically dominated by “masculine” traits often dictates cultures of hyper-competitiveness, burnout, and diminished psychological safety. These environments may achieve short-term results but are unsustainable in the long term, particularly as employees increasingly prioritise well-being and balance.
3. The Case for Diversity in Leadership Styles
   Research consistently shows that diverse teams—both in terms of demographics and leadership styles—outperform homogenous ones. Embracing a range of traits and energies allows for more creative problem-solving, better decision-making, and improved employee engagement. Rather than calling for more of one type of energy, the focus should be on balance and inclusivity.

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Creating Workplaces That Thrive: A Blueprint for Change

To move beyond the “masculine vs. feminine” dichotomy and create thriving workplaces, businesses must prioritise inclusivity, authenticity, and balance. Here are three steps leaders can take:

1. Rethink Leadership Norms
   Leadership must be redefined to value empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence alongside decisiveness and assertiveness. This shift not only benefits women but also creates more effective, engaged leaders across all genders.
2. Support Employees in Bringing Their Whole Selves to Work
   Businesses must encourage employees to lean into their authentic strengths, whether they align with traditionally “masculine” or “feminine” traits. This requires psychological safety, inclusive policies, and a culture of respect for individuality.
3. Address Burnout Through Structural Change
   To combat burnout, workplaces must go beyond surface-level fixes. Structural changes—such as more equitable workloads, flexible work options, and clear boundaries around work-life balance—are essential for long-term sustainability.

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A Call for Authenticity and Balance

Rather than calling for “more masculine energy,” leaders should focus on creating workplaces where all energies and traits are valued and celebrated. The future of work depends on environments where employees, regardless of gender, can thrive by embracing their unique strengths.

In doing so, we move closer to building workplaces that are not just productive but also humane, inclusive, and resilient. This isn’t about masculine or feminine energy—it’s about unlocking human potential in all its forms.

Elizabeth Cowper
Founder & CEO of Ludo | TED Speaker | HR Thought Leader