5 Steps to be a Better Ally in the Workplace

1.    Educate Yourself on Microaggressions:

Microaggressions are often subtle but harmful forms of discrimination, such as stereotyping, assumptions, bias, or insensitive remarks. It's crucial to recognize these behaviours and learn how to avoid them.

2.    Increasing Awareness:

It is essential to learn the language that an individual uses to describe their identity, such as their preferred pronouns, ethnicity, or religion. It shows respect and helps to create a more inclusive work environment.

3.    Being Colour Brave not Colour Blind

It's crucial to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion when hiring. Rather than being "colour blind," it's important to be "colour brave" by acknowledging and celebrating differences. By doing so, we can ensure that we don't overlook the talents and unique perspectives that candidates from different backgrounds can bring to our teams. 

4.    Don't Stay Silent:

To be an effective ally, it's crucial to advocate for underrepresented people in small ways, such as supporting their opinions during meetings, or intervening when they are spoken over or undermined. If you witness a microaggression in the workplace, consider speaking up and letting the person responsible know that their words or actions were harmful. True allyship is REALLY seeing the person next to us, seeing who SHOULD be next to us and speaking up about it.

5.    Encourage Others to Educate Themselves:

Lastly, encourage your co-workers and superiors to educate themselves about microaggressions and work towards creating a more inclusive work environment. Raising awareness can help create a safer and more equitable workplace for everyone.

In conclusion, being an ally to ethnic minorities and underrepresented groups in the workplace requires effort, empathy, and a willingness to learn. By following these tips, you can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, leading to better collaboration, productivity, and job satisfaction for all.