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.
Showcase your Role Models
When it comes to initiatives that create an inclusive culture – one of the most important ones is to have visible role models – throughout the firm (including in leadership roles). As an employer, you should be showcasing your role models. Different people inspire others for all different reasons, but it is important that people see both people like them and people that they aspire to be within the workplace. So it is important to showcase a diverse mix of role models.
For example, to normalise flexible working, employees need to feel like they will not be penalised for working flexibly themselves. Visible senior role models who work flexibly, and specifically part-time, help signal that working flexibly does not stall career progression.
If you work flexibly, on an individual level you can make sure others know it. If you are an employer, use case studies and share flexible working successes/examples and showcase some good examples.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
