Be a better ally when working remotely
Here are some ways to be a better ally when working from home. Start small and gradually integrate as many as you can until they become daily habits.
Allyship has become a critical aspect of creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. As more and more companies shift to remote work, it’s important to understand how to create and seek allies when working from home. In this post, we will discuss the importance of allyship in a remote work setting, as well as tips for creating and seeking allies.
Allyship refers to the actions that an individual takes to support and advocate for marginalised groups. This can include things like speaking out against discrimination, promoting policies that champion diversity and inclusion, and actively listening and learning from marginalised perspectives.
We all need to find ways to be a better ally to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It is especially critical in a remote work setting where opportunities for casual interactions and building relationships are limited.
According to a study from Buffer, over 70% of remote workers feel lonely sometimes or often. Without the ability to bond with colleagues in the office, it’s important to be intentional about building relationships and creating a sense of community while working remotely.
7 Ways to be a better ally
Here are some ways to be a better ally when working from home. Start small and gradually integrate as many as you can until they become daily habits.
1. Be intentional:
Seek out opportunities to connect with your colleagues and build relationships. This could be through virtual coffee breaks, online book clubs, or other informal networking groups. By actively participating in these types of activities, you can build connections and establish a sense of community with your colleagues.
2. Communicate regularly:
Make sure to keep in touch with your colleagues and team members. This can help to build trust and establish a sense of community. Consider setting up regular video chats or calls with your team to maintain regular communication and connection. Practise active listening and let
3. Show up for others:
Make sure to be an active and engaged listener when others are speaking, and be willing to offer help and support when you can. This can include things like checking in with a colleague who may be going through a difficult time, or offering to help a team member with a project. By showing up for others, you can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
Take a look: Bystanding is a form of collusion so change from a bystander to an upstander.
4. Lead by example:
Set an example for others by being an ally to those who may be underrepresented or marginalised. This could include things like advocating for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, or actively seeking out and promoting the work of diverse colleagues. By leading by example, you can inspire others to do the same.
5. Get involved:
Participate in company-wide initiatives or initiatives that focus on building a more inclusive culture and empowering underrepresented groups. Consider getting involved in your company’s diversity and inclusion committee or attending webinars or workshops that focus on allyship. By getting involved, you can learn more about allyship and ways to support marginalised groups, and make a positive impact on your company’s culture.
6. Understand preferences and differences:
Not everyone has the same needs or preferences when it comes to interacting with their manager or even with each other. Find out what works for each member of your team, compromise where you can to find a workable solution. Be aware of cultural and religious differences and get the basics right. Pronounce and spell names correctly and be mindful of any accommodations for the physically less able, neurodiverse, and those with invisible health issues. Make an agreement aound camera use. There are times when a camera is useful or necessary, but also when it isn’t.
7. Be open to feedback and willing to learn:
It’s important to be sensitive to the input of others and act with empathy.
5 tips to manage bias when giving feedback – 3 Plus International
Allyship is a journey
Allyship is a journey and not a destination so it’s important to be open to feedback and willing to learn from others and understand where you might be falling short. Take time to listen, reflect and adjust your actions and mindset.
According to a study by Deloitte, organizations that prioritise diversity and inclusion are more likely to have higher financial returns. In fact, the study found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity are 33% more likely to have higher financial returns than companies in the bottom quartile. This is one of the many reasons why allyship is critical in today’s remote work setting.
Becoming an ally is an essential aspect of creating a more inclusive and equitable remote work environment. By being intentional about building relationships, communicating regularly, showing up for others, leading by example, getting involved, and being open to feedback and willing to learn, you can be a better ally, even if you work remotely!
Don’t let your company be one that ignores the open secrets. Use our Managing Unconscious Bias workshops to tackle them instead.
