Allies demonstrate that they value colleagues with diverse experiences by actively promoting workplace equality and inclusion.
Listen
- When colleagues share their experiences, believe them, don’t judge them—acknowledge the impact their experience has had on them.
- Encourage colleagues to express their concerns, frustrations or needs.
- If you’re concerned about a colleague, talk to them. You can connect them with an Employee Assistance Service and encourage them to speak with their manager.
Learn more
- Find out more about the lived experiences of people in under-represented groups.
- Learn about bias and how you can be more aware of it. This is especially important in the decision-making process. Identify how you treat other people. Both conscious and unconscious bias continues to have significant impacts on people from under-represented groups.
- Look for information that helps you understand the history, issues and ongoing challenges faced by people in under-represented groups.
Say something and do something
If you notice something isn't right, act either in the moment or when you feel more comfortable. In a respectful, non-confrontational way you can say:
- Do you really think that’s true?
- What do you mean by that?
- I think we can change that – don’t you?
- That language isn’t very inclusive.
- I’m not comfortable with this conversation.
Notice and ask
- Try to create space for those who aren’t represented, don’t get a chance, or don’t readily speak up, so they can have their voices heard.
- Ask why there is an absence of diversity on a recruitment panel or at a speaking event, and actively contribute by recommending it.
Walk the talk – be a role model
- Promote respectful relationships, and practice positive attitudes and behaviours.
- Hold people accountable. If you see something that isn’t right, speak up.
- Participate in activities, events and celebrations. Encourage your colleagues to join or lead one, too.
Be a sponsor
- Talk about the expertise you see in colleagues from under-represented groups. Recommend them for stretch projects or other development opportunities.
- Mentor people from diverse or under-represented groups and connect them to your network for opportunities.
- Invite members of under-represented groups to present at staff meetings, write for newsletters, attend high level meetings or take on other visible roles.
- Challenge your colleagues, including senior leaders, to include people from all groups in a variety of opportunities.
More information
Learn more about biases
- The Harvard Implicit Association Test can help you gain greater awareness about your biases, preferences and beliefs.
- Watch Google’s Unconscious bias @ work recorded training video to learn how unconscious biases are created and reinforced by our environments and experiences.