The Power of Allyship:

Supporting Linde’s Employee Resource Groups

During the tumultuous year of 2020, which saw the overlapping crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exposure of systemic inequalities in the United States, Linde’s employee resource groups exemplified the power of allyship by building trust and offering support for each other.

An ally is someone who uses his or her own platform, voice or power to actively promote and advance the culture of inclusion through intentional efforts to benefit marginalized groups. Allies continually seek to learn and hold themselves and others accountable for eliminating systemic inequities. Anyone can be an ally, regardless of your race, gender, age or any other personal characteristic. The only requirement is a willingness to listen, learn and be supportive.

The SPECTRUM resource group for LGBTQ issues exemplified the power of allyship in June 2020 by recognizing and paying homage to the black lives and experiences that are a key part of the 1969 events at the Stonewall Inn in New York City that are commemorated during PRIDE month.

“When we look at Pride and the history of the LGBTQ community, we must acknowledge that we would not be where we are today without the unabashed authenticity, protest and work of our BIPOC (Black Indigenous and other People Of Color) and trans BIPOC members,” said one member of the SPECTRUM Chapter in the U.S. “People like Marsha P. Johnson – a black, trans bisexual person – is the face of Stonewall, and her legacy proves that being who you are and owning your race, your sexual orientation and your gender identity can be revolutionary and an inspiration."

SPECTRUM leader Nicholas Stuckert joined REACH, the employee resource group focused on issues important to employees of African Culture and Heritage, to listen and learn about their experiences. He also participated in the REACH 2021 celebration of Black History Month.

“What surprised me the most are the stories of how pervasive bias still is and affects colleagues I work with every day that I’ve always regarded among the smartest and strongest,” Nick said.

“Completely unintentional verbal and behavioral cues can have a lasting impact and drive doubt that I never would have guessed possible. I overcame my fear of recognizing past mistakes and learned how to listen and invite open conversation,” he said. “I am grateful to my REACH colleagues for being so welcoming and understanding.”

“In joining the Black History Month celebration, Nick exemplified the courage, commitment and intentionality of an ally who sought to share his platform within the organization to provide an additional voice to historically marginalized groups,” said Vanessa Abrahams-John, Linde’s Chief Diversity Officer. “Allyship is critical to foster a culture of inclusion where employees seek to listen, learn and advocate for each other.”

Allyship was also discussed during a recent highly successful webinar, which saw nearly 2,000 Linde global colleagues join a discussion on creating a more inclusive workplace. Interesting side fact is, that about 80% of SPECTRUM members identify as allies.

Within employee resource groups at Linde, allies who don’t personally identify with a group’s focus are encouraged to join as members to learn, participate and provide support. Cross-collaboration within the workplace can help us build a more inclusive and engaging work environment.