Each week, we share five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally. 1. Use a tool to flag non-inclusive language Chapter 9 of is focused on ways to shift your language to be more inclusive. One idea is to use a tool to automatically flag non-inclusive words and phrases and make alternate suggestions. Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces If you use Slack, you can easily customize your workspace Slackbot to look for “guys,” “crazy,” “insane,” “midget,” “pimp,” “has balls” and other such terms. And program it respond automatically with an explanation of why the word or phrase isn’t inclusive and some alternatives to consider. Want to learn how to get started? . We’ve got you covered Here’s another idea, this one for encouraging more inclusive language in email. It comes from Steve Anderson, who : tweeted body[data-twttr-rendered="true"] {background-color: transparent;}.twitter-tweet {margin: auto !important;} I created an email template to gently tell colleagues they are using problematic phases: 1. Frames it as an org-wide effort, for me as well 2. Name the phrase and give historical context 3. Suggest some better options 4. Thank them profusely for considering! https://t.co/9dtgifNwFQ — @gokubi function notifyResize(height) {height = height ? height : document.documentElement.offsetHeight; var resized = false; if (window.donkey && donkey.resize) {donkey.resize(height); resized = true;}if (parent && parent._resizeIframe) {var obj = {iframe: window.frameElement, height: height}; parent._resizeIframe(obj); resized = true;}if (window.location && window.location.hash === "#amp=1" && window.parent && window.parent.postMessage) {window.parent.postMessage({sentinel: "amp", type: "embed-size", height: height}, "*");}if (window.webkit && window.webkit.messageHandlers && window.webkit.messageHandlers.resize) {window.webkit.messageHandlers.resize.postMessage(height); resized = true;}return resized;}twttr.events.bind('rendered', function (event) {notifyResize();}); twttr.events.bind('resize', function (event) {notifyResize();});if (parent && parent._resizeIframe) {var maxWidth = parseInt(window.frameElement.getAttribute("width")); if ( 500 < maxWidth) {window.frameElement.setAttribute("width", "500");}} What a simple idea. Thanks Steve. 2. Compliment underrepresented colleagues about their expertise Did you know Thursday January 24 was National Compliment Day? Well, it was, if you trust trending hashtags on Twitter. Regardless of it being a “day” or not, let’s be sure to give regular shoutouts to coworkers from underrepresented backgrounds. Our favorite compliment looks like this: “What I learned from <name of a woman or other marginalized colleague> is the following…” Doing so can help increase someone’s visibility, boosting their reputation and credibility. It’s one of the simplest forms of sponsorship an ally can embrace. 3. Diversify your network Did you know that white people tend to have networks full of other white people? Since we all tap our networks to find candidates, this means that white people tend to hire more white people. As , it’s one of the ways that organizations are failing black workers. this article points out If you have a homogeneous network, what steps will you take to diversify it? 4. Look at the full picture when doing a pay gap audit When doing a pay gap analysis, it’s important to look at the full picture. Not just salary, but stock options and other ways you compensate employees. As , Intel had to close it’s pay gap for a second time, to include stock grants. reported this week And speaking of pay gap audits… 5. Push your company to reveal the results of its pay gap analysis shows that companies who were required to disclose pay disparities were able to shrink their gaps more effectively than those that did not disclose it. Plus they hired and promoted more women. A new study Can you recommend this approach for your company, even if disclosing the results is not required? Being an ally is a journey. Want to join us? 😍 Follow @betterallies on , , , or . Twitter Medium Instagram Pinterest ✉️ This content originally appeared in our newsletter, . to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. 5 Ally Actions Subscribe 📖 Read the book. Better Allies 👕 Get your Better Allies gear Together, we can — and will — make a difference.
