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.
#52: Check in on your isolating colleagues – they may need it
Happy new year and welcome to 2022. We hope that everyone had a good break. However, it is important to remember that some colleagues will have been ill over the Christmas break and/or been unable to spend time with loved ones and/or maybe struggling with the return to work post-break (particularly if they are self-isolating).
This week is the perfect time to check in with your colleagues and check that they are doing okay. A simple message/email/text can go a long way. If you don’t already have regular check-ins in your diary with your colleagues and teammates or they have fallen by the way-side since some people have returned to the office – make sure you put some in the diary and make it a regular thing.
Finally, don’t forget if someone is ill – it is important to make sure that they actually take a break – and rest!
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
