What is Allyship and why does it matter?
For years, we have been supporting under-represented groups. Companies have Networks / Employee Resource Groups. There are countless charities and organisations highlighting and championing the issues. There are days/weeks/months to highlight, celebrate and raise issues. It’s a very busy space but you know all this.
is it making a difference? Yes of course it is.
But in 2025, the UK fell back down the list for female full-time employment, putting the UK 27th out of the top 33 most important OECD economies. It will take 30 years at the current rate to close the Gender Pay Gap in the UK. So perhaps it’s not making as much difference as you think.
The issue in the workplace is not down to the under-represented groups not doing enough, but due to those who have the power not doing enough.
Allyship is important. Without good allies, things will not improve. It isn’t down to one or two people in a company, it takes a real mindset shift and it takes courage, leadership and a lot of guidance.
I can offer you that coaching, guidance and support as leaders and as a company. Together, we can make great steps to improving your inclusive leadership and culture.
Let’s Talk About Masculinity
There is a lot of talk about masculinity in the media, and in the workplace, and it’s not all healthy.
Masculinity gets used alongside bullying, misogyny, sexism. There are bad traits associated with it, and bad role models showing how not to do it. It’s disrupting society, and the workplace. Not every trait is negative, and women can display traits often characterised as masculinity. It can be a confusing conversation to have.
To be better allies, and to address Men’s Wellbeing and Mental Health, we have to delve into the topic of Masculinity, what it means to be a man, how to be a good man, and role modelling.
I lead discussions on Masculinity as part of the ally workshops. I tackle the difficult topics of male behaviour, good and bad, and how it impacts others. I help leaders see how to support their workforce, men in particular, and help teams see how to behave.
The Bigger Picture – “Connections”
iunctura means “connections” and I work on Safety Systems and Culture, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Allyship and Inclusion. I suggest these three separate topics are actually connected together, and should not be different things run by different teams.
What if your Health and Safety System included Men’s Mental Health?
What if talk of Masculinity was a normal part of Mental Health discussions?
What if better men’s health and masculinity created better allyship?
What if better men’s health led to better inclusion and a better culture?
This is a different way, it moves beyond the standard business models of operators/engineers vs safety professionals vs human resources professionals. It takes different thinking, different ways of working, different leadership and culture. It won’t change overnight, but if you’re going to improve your Safety Culture, ask yourself if, together, we could achieve so much more?