Pride Month 2023: developing the mindset of an LGBTQ+ ally

This Pride Month, Reed’s own Inclusion and Belonging Lead Chris Brindley shares practical tips on how we can all be effective allies in the workplace and contribute to positive change for the LGBTQ+ community.

6 mins read
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almost 2 years ago

​In a world that many in the LGBTQ+ community feel is regressing in terms of acceptance and, in some cases, even tolerance, being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community at work is increasingly important.

What does it mean to be an ally?

From an inclusion and belonging perspective, I believe an ally is someone who supports, advocates for, and stands in solidarity with, those who belong to marginalised and/or under-represented communities. It involves actively educating yourself, challenging biases in yourself and others, and taking action to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace.

I believe that there are different stages of allyship that people choose consciously or unconsciously, all of which are positive.

Where to start

Educate yourself

A crucial step in becoming an ally is to educate yourself about the LGBTQ+ community. I think this applies to those within the community as well as those who don’t identify as belonging to it. I have certainly learnt so much more about different identities since becoming the inclusion and belonging lead, and I hope it continues.

No one expects everyone to know it all, and much of it is still evolving, but I think that being open to learning is important. Take the time to learn about different sexual orientations, gender identities, and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. You can read books or blogs, watch documentaries, access online resources that provide accurate information and personal stories, or engage with any Pride activities taking place in your own organisation – not just in June.

By understanding the terminology and experiences of the community, you can engage in informed conversations and help dispel misconceptions. As part of LGBT History Month 2023, we compiled a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms to help get you started. You can refer to this glossary as much as you like and share it with your colleagues.

Listen to those around you

Listen to the experiences, stories, and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals that are in your life – whether that’s at work or in your personal life. If your immediate circle of contacts doesn’t present you with these opportunities, then actively seek them out to hear their voices.

By listening and showing understanding, without judgement or interruption, and being open to learning from their lived experiences, you can gain insight into the challenges faced by the community and identify ways to provide support in the future.

At Reed, we have LGBTQ+ ambassadors who are always open to a conversation to help educate others, which you could easily implement or advocate for in your own company.

Challenge your biases

We all have biases – it’s a natural part of human psychology – but it’s essential to recognise and challenge them in order to be an effective ally. Reflect on your own beliefs and attitudes towards sexual orientation and/or gender identity and be honest with yourself about any prejudices or stereotypes you may hold and actively correct yourself to overcome them.

One way to understand your biases is by undertaking any internal training on unconscious bias or inclusion and belonging that your company offers, as part of your regular learning and development.

Use inclusive language

Language is really important as it can have a powerful impact on those around you, whether they are part of the community or not. Take time to learn the terminology that’s respectful to the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, which you can do using the aforementioned LGBTQ+ glossary.

As part of the community myself, I will forgive those who make genuine mistakes. Personally, I put more emphasis on the intent behind what’s being said and the way it is being said. However, I know a lot of people can worry about offending others. Here are some tips:

  • Try not to make assumptions about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity based on appearance or stereotypes – wait for them to share with you.

  • If you’re unsure of someone’s gender identity, use gender-neutral pronouns such as ‘they/them’ – and offer your own pronouns to invite them to respond with theirs.

  • Respect individuals' chosen names and pronouns if they share them with you.

  • If you make a mistake, there is no need to be defensive. Simply own up, apologise, and move on, with the intention to do better in the future.

Becoming an ‘active ally’

Support those who you know to identify as LGBTQ+

Work can – and should – be a safe place for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Supporting those who you know to be within the community can be crucial, especially during challenging times. Be there to offer a listening ear, emotional support, and a safe space to share experiences. Respect confidentiality and be mindful of the sensitivity of their stories.

Additionally, be aware of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, such as higher rates of homelessness, ostracism from family and friends, and mental health issues. Educate yourself on available resources and organisations that provide support and share them when needed.

Call out discrimination

As an ally, it is important to actively challenge discrimination and prejudice when you encounter it. Speak up against homophobic, biphobic, acephobic and transphobic comments or jokes. Even if they come across as ‘banter’, it can be extremely harmful as an LGBTQ+ person to hear these things go unchallenged, or to always have to do the challenge. Be prepared to engage in respectfully challenging those that you feel are being discriminatory and make them aware of the potential effect of their actions.

Support LGBTQ+ events and charities

There are a plethora of events and charities you can support including Pride Month in June and LGBT History Month in February. There are a wide range of local, national and international charities you can support.

At Reed, we make it easier for our co-members to give to charity through our partnership with Charities Trust, allowing each person to give to charity directly from their gross pay every month. This could be something to consider for your business if it hasn’t already been implemented.

Conclusion

In the spirit of Pride Month, let us recognise the immense importance of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. As allies for any under-represented group, we have the power to drive change, advocate for equality, and foster inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

Just by taking the time to read this article, you are on your allyship journey. By calling out discrimination, challenging stereotypes, providing emotional support, and promoting visibility, you can contribute to a more equitable society. Let us make our workplaces somewhere LGBTQ+ people not only feel they belong but somewhere they can thrive.

Contact a Reed recruitment specialist today to find your next role or a talented professional.

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Pros and cons of universal basic income: solution to unemployment or too expensive?
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Pros and cons of universal basic income: solution to unemployment or too expensive?

​​​What is universal basic income?

​Universal basic income (UBI) is a system in which every adult receives a set amount of money on a regular basis. This payment is unconditional, meaning it does not depend on the recipient's income, employment status, or any other criterion.

Universal– to everyone

Basic– to cover everyday expenses

Income– regularly, for people to spend how they wish.

UBI has been an interesting and controversial topic of conversation over the past few years, with various trials and studies conducted to evaluate its potential impact. While we may be a long way off from this being considered in reality, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of introducing this concept.

​

Pros of universal basic income

Reduce poverty

One of the main arguments in favour of UBI is its potential to reduce poverty and economic inequality. A 2022 study by the University of York found that a UBI model could cut poverty by more than half. This would be achieved through tax adjustments and guaranteed weekly payments, providing a stable income for everyone. This stability could lead to a more robust economy, increased consumer spending, more job opportunities, and a healthier market overall.

Increased consumer spending

With more disposable income, people would likely spend more, stimulating demand for goods and services and benefiting businesses across various sectors. This increased spending could also lead to higher tax revenues, which could be reinvested into public services and infrastructure.

Empowering workers

UBI would offer a safety net, reducing the pressure on individuals to accept low-paying or precarious jobs. This could lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity, as people would be more likely to pursue jobs that align with their interests.

Improve workplace conditions

It would also encourage businesses to enhance their working conditions by shifting the power dynamic to the employees. With a guaranteed income, workers would no longer be compelled to stay in jobs solely for financial reasons, allowing them the freedom to leave roles with poor working conditions.

This shift in bargaining power would encourage employers to enhance job quality, offer higher wages, and create more supportive work environments to attract and retain employees. Consequently, businesses might need to implement more employee-focused policies, such as flexible working, improved benefits, and a stronger emphasis on work-life balance, to stay competitive in the labour market.

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Many people hesitate to start their own businesses due to fear of failure and financial risks. However, UBI could provide the financial stability needed to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, potentially resulting in economic growth for the country. This could lead to the creation of new industries and job opportunities, further boosting the economy.

Foster education and societal benefits

Having a steady income would encourage more individuals to pursue further education and training, culminating in a more educated and skilled population. This increase in educational attainment can have numerous positive effects on society, including:

Higher civic engagement: an educated population is more likely to participate in civic activities such as voting, volunteering, and community involvement, fostering a stronger democratic process and community cohesion.

Enhanced critical thinking and creativity: education cultivates critical thinking and creativity, which are essential for technological innovation and economic growth.

Reduction in poverty and inequality: education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure better-paying jobs, UBI can help reduce income inequality and improve overall economic stability.

Improved public health: educated individuals are more likely to make informed health choices, meaning lower rates of chronic diseases and improved overall public health.

​

Cons of universal basic income

High cost

Implementing UBI would be extremely expensive, requiring significant tax increases and reallocation of public spending. While it's challenging to estimate the exact cost, one analysis projected a gross cost of €555 billion – which includes the UBI payments themselves as well as the cost of integrating it into the existing tax and benefits system. Therefore, many critics argue that for this reason, UBI is not sustainable or even feasible.

Decreased motivation to work

Critics argue that UBI could reduce people's incentives to work, prompting higher unemployment rates. They fear that with a guaranteed income, people might choose to work fewer hours or not at all. If this were the case, higher unemployment rates could negatively impact economic growth due to less taxable income.

Those who do continue working while receiving UBI might be less motivated to perform at their best. With their basic financial needs met by UBI, the urgency to excel and advance in their careers could diminish and we could see reduced effort and productivity.

Challenges for low-wage industries

Industries relying on low-wage labour might face increased wage demands, as workers with a financial safety net might be less willing to accept low-paying jobs. This could cause higher operational costs and potentially drive businesses to automate more processes.

Inflation

Increased disposable income could generate higher spending, driving up demand and prices, resulting in inflation. This could erode the purchasing power of the UBI payments, potentially negating some of the benefits.

Potential inequality

While UBI aims to reduce poverty and inequality, some argue that providing the same payment to everyone wouldn't solve inequality but merely shift the goalposts. Critics suggest that a more targeted approach might be necessary to address the specific needs of different groups within society.

The debate around UBI is far from settled, and its implementation would require careful consideration and robust policy design. As we move forward, it's important to engage in thoughtful discussions, consider diverse perspectives, and explore pilot programmes to better understand UBI's real-world impacts.

Ultimately, the question remains: can UBI be the transformative solution we need to fix the unstable labour market, or will it prove too costly and complex?

If you are looking for a talented professional to join your team, or seeking a new employment opportunity yourself, get in touch with a specialist consultant today.

How to fight economic inactivity
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How to fight economic inactivity

​It was recently my turn to pick up the pen and contribute to City AM’s ‘The Note Book’.

I chose to write about the issue of economic inactivity and to focus on ways to encourage younger people into the workforce and ways to incentivise older workers to work for longer.

My thinking is that this will encourage the highly paid and highly skilled to work up until retirement age rather than choosing, as many do, to retire early.

And my estimation is that this would result in more, not less, tax being collected and collected sooner because these individuals are frequently higher rate taxpayers who will typically find ways to avoid inheritance tax in the extra spare time they have after they’ve taken early retirement.

Instead, these highly capable higher rate tax payers will be incentivised to continue to contribute to the growth of their organisations and the wider economy and consequently to the exchequer as well.

One for the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) to grapple with perhaps… but I’ve no idea how you’d model such an idea. Sometimes it’s just better to give things a go!

And if you do get a chance to see the play ‘A View from The Bridge’, you should go. It’s a precious thing - a brilliant play, brilliantly acted!

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Sales CV template: for Sales Executives and other sales professionals
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Sales CV template: for Sales Executives and other sales professionals

​​Whether you are a sales executive, supplier relationship manager or field sales consultant, use our free template to build your perfect sales CV today.

[Full Name]
[Home address]
[Contact Number] • [Email Address]

Personal Statement

Use this section of your CV to highlight the skills that would be transferable in a sales environment e.g. questioning and listening, tenacity, resilience and the ability to think on your feet. It’s also a good idea to include a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Sales professionals are target driven and financially motivated, so don't forget to highlight and "sell" yourself.

Try to avoid statements such as "I work well as part of a team and on my own initiative" or "I can communicate at all levels" - the majority of CVs contain these statements. CVs that show creativity stand out in sales.

Education

A relevant degree, for example Business Studies will give you a great start, but many degrees have a sales element, e.g. Psychology - understanding people, Engineering - problem solving, Law - negotiation skills etc.

It is important to present your education in a way that identifies you as a sales person.

In some sales positions experience trumps education, so if you don’t have a glittering academic record, make sure you elaborate on your experience.

[College/School Name]
[Date M/Y– Date M/Y]

A-levels:

  • [Subject] – [Grade]

  • [Subject] – [Grade]

  • [Subject] – [Grade]

GCSEs:

  • [Number] GCSEs, grades [range], including Maths and English

Work Experience

This should be brief and, as a general rule of thumb, focus on the last five years of your career, or last three roles, in chronological order with the most recent at the top. Highlight your key achievements, and aim to use bullet points rather than lengthy descriptions.

[Job Title], [Company Name] [Location]
[Date M/Y- Date M/Y]

Achievements and responsibilities:

  • Brief role overview

  • Worked alongside [team] to produce [project]

  • Implemented [change] which resulted in [benefit]

  • Received an [award name] for [reason]

Hobbies and Interests

This section is not essential, but can be a good opportunity to reinforce your application, and show a future employer what motivates you outside of work.

Don’t just say that you ‘like to socialise’ be specific, and don’t be afraid to share your successes. If you can put a sales slant on this part of your CV too, even better.

I’ve completed a marathon for [charity]

I negotiated my away across [country] on a budget, working as I went

References

References are available upon request.

Download our full sales CV template.