The power of ‘allyship’ in creating an inclusive workplace

The beloved American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, once said, "…in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." While strides have been made in women's representation in the workplace, significant progress is still needed for underrepresented communities, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community. As per a report from 2023 by Diversity for Social Impact, companies embracing diverse allyship programmes experience a 21% increase in employee engagement compared to those without such initiatives. Open communication and psychological safety: First things first - create a safe space for open communication and feedback, where employees feel comfortable reporting discrimination or bias without fear of reprisal. By committing to educating oneself, amplifying marginalised voices, advocating for diverse representation, fostering safe environments, embracing intersectionality, and engaging in mentorship, allies can spearhead significant change.