[3 MIN READ]  

In this article:

• The Providence family of organizations upholds our core values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence and integrity by prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion every day. 

• Allyship promotes a sense of belonging among co-workers, improves employee morale and strengthens worker retention. 

• Our family of organizations encourages allyship among co-workers through implicit bias and microaggressions training and inclusive programs such as Caregiver Resource Groups (CRGs) and Pronouns at Providence.

Fostering allyship among co-workers throughout the Providence system

An ally is a person who supports people from a marginalized group without being a member of that group. Allyship at the Providence family of organizations is encouraged among co-workers at every level.

As part of our commitment to ensuring high-quality, equitable care for all and to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming work environment, we uphold our core values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence and integrity by prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion every day.

How do we foster allyship among co-workers?

Allyship doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone but it does require active support. Since 2022, we’ve taken significant steps to build allyship among co-workers.

One way we’ve done this is through our Pronouns at Providence program, which provides caregivers with the opportunity to voluntarily share and display their chosen pronouns physically through pronoun pins and virtually in Microsoft platforms and email signatures. Sharing pronouns is a great way to provide a safe space and invite others to share theirs, fostering a greater sense of inclusivity.

We also launched implicit bias, active bystanders and microaggressions online training courses for all caregivers across the entire family of organizations. The implicit bias and microaggressions courses provide insight into the attitudes and stereotypes that may be held unconsciously and the related prejudices (for or against a person or group of people) that can occur in the workplace. The active bystander training explains when and how to speak out when you see or hear something offensive, biased, prejudiced or inappropriate for the workplace, and the importance of checking in on colleagues after these incidents. Together, these trainings cultivate understanding and acceptance. 

Another way we encourage allyship is through engagement with our Caregiver Resource Groups (CRGs). CRGs offer opportunities to connect, learn, show support and build community with others.

As we continue to evolve, we are listening to caregivers and building new programs and initiatives to address their needs.

Why does allyship matter?

Encouraging allyship among co-workers and creating programs that nurture allyship advances our Mission to serve all and creates a work environment that embraces our core values. 

When we encourage co-workers to be their whole selves — not just caregivers — we build a sense of belonging that improves morale for everyone.

Interested in joining a workplace where everyone belongs and allyship is encouraged? Learn more about how diversity, equity and inclusion are valued at the Providence family of organizations and view all open roles.