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.
Go further than “awareness raising”
There are many firms that are still just doing events and “awareness raising” when it comes to diversity and inclusion. However, awareness raising on its own is not enough. There also needs to be action taken.
This action might include things like reviewing your policies, procedures, processes and systems, active support from leadership, listening to employees with lived experience and find out what they need, disability training, reasonable adjustments, flexible working the list goes on. For 2024, why not make it an resolution to be an ally and take action.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series for ideas and inspiration here.
