Allyship in the workplace: what you need to know and where to start

In recent years, the term allyship is being used a lot more, especially when it comes to creating inclusive workplaces. However, many people are still not sure what this means, why it’s important, or how to become a better ally.

At Flexa, we’re strong advocates for being allies in the workplace. We’re a diverse team in many respects (neurodiversity, disability, gender, ethnicity and more) and we strive to be allies to the underrepresented employees who work for us. This means advocating for their rights, learning about their struggles and using our own privileges to make the workplace more inclusive for everyone. 

To give you a better understanding of allyship and how to become a better ally, this blog will share some insights and practical steps to help you get started.

What is allyship and what does it mean to be an ally?

Allyship is when someone (the ally) recognises their own privilege and uses this to support and advocate for individuals from marginalised or underrepresented groups. 

In the workplace, an ally is someone who:

• Listens: they listen to the lived experiences and perspectives of marginalised groups.
• Educates themselves: they use their own initiative to learn about systemic inequalities, unconscious biases, and the challenges faced by different groups.
• Speaks up: they use their voice to challenge discriminatory behaviour, policies, or practices.
• Takes action: They do the work to create a more inclusive environment and support DEI initiatives.

Why do we need allies in the workplace?

The need for allies in the workplace comes from the ongoing inequalities and challenges many employees face – both inside and outside of work – due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or other aspects of their identity. A recent example of when allyship was needed was during the UK racism riots in summer 2024, which found many colleagues feeling uncomfortable or lost when knowing what to say or do to support their Black and Brown employees. 

Here are some reasons why allies are crucial in creating a more inclusive work environment:

• Addressing power imbalances: Allies can use their privilege to change existing power structures that may disadvantage certain groups.
• Amplifying marginalised voices: By actively listening to and raising the concerns of underrepresented employees, allies can help make sure that diverse perspectives are heard and valued.
• Promoting equity: By advocating for fair policies and practices, allies can help level the playing field for all employees.
• Setting an example: Allies demonstrate inclusive behaviour, encouraging others to follow suit and creating a ripple effect throughout the organisation.
• Supporting mental health: By creating a more inclusive environment, allies can help reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by marginalised employees who can often feel isolated or unsupported.

3 steps to become a better ally

Becoming an ally requires continuous effort and learning. Here are three fundamental steps you can take to start or improve your allyship in the workplace:

1. Listen

Active listening is the best place to start when you’re trying to become a better ally. It’s a powerful skill that many of us overlook, and it’s a cornerstone of allyship. If someone is sharing their struggles with you, take the time to not only listen but truly understand their lived experiences. 

Here's how you become a more active listener at work:

• Let others finish their thoughts before responding. It can be easy to try to say something to help them feel better but remember, listening is not about waiting for your turn to speak. It's about genuinely trying to understand another person's lived experience.
• Show genuine interest in understanding different perspectives. Ask questions and listen to feedback. Take time to process the information and consider how it might impact your views and actions.
• Be empathetic: Try to put yourself in others' shoes and understand their emotions and challenges.

2. Educate yourself

Education is one the most important areas when it comes to being a better ally. Many people want to become an ally but are not willing to put in the work to make it happen. This means educating yourself about the issues faced by marginalised groups; it's not the responsibility of these groups to educate you. Here are some ways to expand your knowledge:

• Read, listen and watch: we all have access to endless resources in different formats that we can use to educate ourselves on different topics. Try to digest content from various backgrounds and perspectives.
• Attend workshops and seminars: Participate in diversity and inclusion training sessions offered by your company or external organisations.
• Follow diverse voices on social media: Social platforms can help you see first hand the daily experiences and challenges faced by different groups.
• Join employee resource groups (ERGs): If your company has ERGs, consider joining as an ally to learn and support.
• Stay informed about current events: Keep up with news and discussions related to social justice and equality.
• Learn about intersectionality: Understand how different aspects of identity (race, gender, class, etc.) intersect and impact individuals' experiences.
• Reflect on your own privileges: Look closely at advantages you may have due to your identity and how they shape your perspective.

Remember, education is an ongoing process. As you learn more, you'll likely discover new areas where you need to expand your knowledge.

3. Speak up

Being an ally means using your voice to challenge discrimination, bias, and inequality when you witness it. Speaking up can be uncomfortable, but it is needed if we want to see real change happen. 

Here's how you can speak up:

• Address microaggressions: Call out subtle forms of discrimination when you witness them, even if they seem minor. Microaggressions are insensitive statements, questions, or assumptions aimed at marginalised groups. 
• Challenge discriminatory jokes or comments: Make it clear that you don’t agree with such behaviour and it is not acceptable, even if it's meant to be "just a joke."
• Advocate for inclusive policies: Use your voice in meetings or discussions to promote fair and equitable practices. Actively participate in and promote programs aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion.
• Amplify marginalised voices: In meetings or discussions, make sure that diverse perspectives are heard and credited appropriately.
• Use inclusive language: Be mindful of your own words and encourage others to use language that respects all identities.
• Offer support to colleagues facing discrimination: Stand with them and offer to be a witness or to accompany them when reporting incidents.
• Share your own learning journey: By being open about your efforts to be a better ally, you can inspire others to do the same.

Remember, speaking up is not about speaking for marginalised groups, but rather about using your privilege to support and amplify their voices.

We need more allies in the workplace

Allyship is needed to create more inclusive workplaces. By listening actively, educating yourself, and speaking up, you can become an ally and contribute to positive change in your organisation.

Remember that allyship takes time. What's important is that you stay committed to learning, and taking action to support your marginalised colleagues. Small actions can have a big impact. This means that every time you listen with empathy, learn something new, or speak up against discrimination, you're contributing to a more inclusive workplace culture.