An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group to help make their workplace more diverse and inclusive for all.
For workplaces to become truly inclusive it is up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful.
Allies at all levels can take action with simple, everyday efforts that make a real difference and in this series, we highlight some things that you can do to be an ally and to support your colleagues from underrepresented groups.
#36: Publicise what you are doing
We often highlight what the various equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives that firms are doing to improve diversity and inclusion within their firm and the other ways that they are supporting underrepresented groups. It is important for firms to publicise what they are doing.
This is important for two key reasons:
The first is so that people are aware of what you are doing so that they consider you as a firm of choice. If you are open about your inclusion efforts, you demonstrate a commitment to ED&I that can be attractive to talent. If you ’re not sharing stories of your success externally, potential applicants won’t be aware.
The first is for the benefit of your employees. By being open about your efforts internally, it will allow your employees to feel like they can be open and ask for support.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
