In recent years, you may have heard the term allyship being referred to and discussed in line with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. So, you may be asking yourself what is allyship?
Allyship is the act of actively supporting and advocating for individuals or communities who face systemic oppression or discrimination. It means recognising our own privilege and using it to uplift others, amplifying their voices and fighting for their rights. Allyship is about being a friend, an advocate and a source of solidarity.
International Allyship Day is on 8 August 2024, this is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the power of allyship across the world. It is a day where we can come together to recognise the importance of standing up for one another, fostering inclusivity and building bridges of support and understanding. International Allyship Day serves as a reminder of the importance of actively supporting and advocating for marginalised individuals and communities within our workplace. Celebrating this day at work can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Why is Allyship important in our work place?
NECS is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for our people, customers and the communities we serve. It is important that we have a diverse and engaged workforce who feel supported and safe to bring their best selves to work.
Diversity is something we celebrate at NECS, as we recognise that everyone is different, and we value the unique contribution that everyone is able to make, based on their personal experiences, knowledge and skills. Sharing employee experiences and celebrating diverse festivals, awareness events and causes throughout the year can help us to understand diverse perspectives and also highlight things that are important to you.
It is important that all NECS staff feel as though they are able to bring their most authentic self to work. That they work in a team and for an organisation who recognises their unique talents and experiences, welcomes their lived and learned experience and provides a strong sense of community and belonging.
Celebrating International Allyship Day provides a valuable opportunity for organisations to:
- Promote Inclusivity – By celebrating International Allyship Day at work, we reinforce NECS’ commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued.
- Raise Awareness – By celebrating International Allyship Day we can help raise awareness about the importance of standing up for others, advocating for equity and fostering a sense of community and belonging among staff.
- Drive Positive Change – By celebrating International Allyship Day at work, we can inspire individuals to take concrete actions to support their colleagues, challenge bias and contribute to a more equitable and just workplace culture.
How can I become a better ally?
Educate yourself: When it comes to EDI, terminology, support needs and the challenges affecting diverse groups is ever changing, and we need to ensure that we continuously engage with new learning. To further inclusion, and to develop yourself as an ally, you could take the time to learn about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including systemic biases and privilege.
You can also seek out and engage with diverse literature and media in your own time, to help understand the experiences of others.
Listen and Learn: Actively listening to the experiences and perspectives of diverse groups is crucial for understanding their challenges and needs. Empathy and compassion are key components of allyship. Consider hearing from your own colleagues or share your own experiences.
Speak Up Against Injustice: Where possible, allies should address discriminatory behaviours, biases, or microaggressions in the workplace. Silence can perpetuate harm, while speaking up can help create a safer and more inclusive environment.
Amplify Marginalised Voices: Allies can use their privilege and influence to amplify the voices of marginalised individuals, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and valued in decision-making processes and discussions.
Support Diversity Initiatives: Engaging in EDI initiatives or activities that promote inclusion and equity, as it can demonstrate a commitment to allyship and solidarity with marginalised communities.
Take Action: Allies can support and advocate for policies, practices and positive changes that promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This may involve supporting equal opportunities for all.
International National Allyship Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace. By actively practicing allyship you can contribute to a culture of respect, empathy, and collaboration that benefits individuals, teams, and our organization as a whole. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.