Diversity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace is a topic that everyone wants to partake in. But what goes on after the workshops and training sessions end? That’s where allyship steps in – it’s the ongoing action that turns good intentions into real change.

What is Allyship?

Allyship refers to the deliberate endeavour undertaken by an individual to advocate for and provide support for marginalised or underrepresented communities or individuals by utilising their privilege, power, or voice. Establishing a secure environment for these individuals and actively striving to deconstruct established discriminatory structures and methods are the tenets of allyship.

Why is Allyship Important?

DE&I programmes try to fix problems at the system level, but allies are very important for making people’s daily lives more supportive. Things where having an ally can make a difference:

• Empowers Voices: Allies amplify the voices of colleagues belonging to marginalised groups, thereby ensuring that their perspectives are acknowledged and appreciated.
• Challenges Status Quo: Allyship disrupts microaggressions and biassed behaviours, thereby promoting a work environment that is more inclusive and challenging the status quo.
• Culture of Belonging: Employees are more inclined to flourish when they perceive themselves as allies who provide them with support.

Taking Action: How to Be an Ally

Allyship isn’t something you do just once; it’s something you do all the time. Here are some ways that workers at every level can be active allies:

• Learn: Learn about the problems that underrepresented groups face. Read books, go to workshops, and talk to people in public.
• Stop Bias: If you see someone using microaggressions or acting in a biassed way, speak up in a polite but firm way.
• Boost Voices: Look for and support the work and ideas of your colleagues who are from groups that aren’t well-represented. Nominate them for opportunities and let them know what they’ve done.
• Sponsor and Mentor:  Encourage your colleagues from underrepresented groups to get promoted into leadership roles by becoming a sponsor. Help them deal with problems in their career by being a mentor.
• Accountability: If you see someone acting in a way that leaves other people out or makes them feel less important, talk to them privately about it and tell them they’re wrong.

Being an ally is a process, not a goal. When things go wrong, it’s important to learn from them, change, and keep being there for your coworkers. We can make the workplace more fair and welcoming for everyone if we all work together.

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