At Stryker, we're more than just innovators in the medical technology field; we're committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. A key part of this commitment is our dedication to building a community focused on allyship, especially with the Black community.
Being an ally is an active, ongoing process that starts with listening and being genuinely curious about the lived experiences of our colleagues. It's about creating an environment where people of color can openly discuss, embrace and be proud of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Throughout Black History Month, our team took significant steps toward understanding what it means to be an ally, how to become one and the importance of this role.
5 things to remember about allyship:
Education plays a pivotal role in allyship. It involves learning about the Black experience and challenging our own assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs to uncover unconscious biases. Sometimes, biases manifest in subtle ways, such as comments about someone's hair or the way they speak. Recognizing and addressing these biases is crucial for personal growth and creating an inclusive environment.
Taking action is essential. At Stryker, we encourage our team members to engage in programs like Think Twice: Unconscious Bias, a foundational course that introduces key concepts and strategies for fostering awareness and inclusion. This program emphasizes that while we may not be responsible for our first thoughts, we are responsible for our second thoughts and our first actions.
Understanding terminology is a good starting point for those new to their allyship journey. Terms like Black, African American, BIPOC and POC are not always interchangeable, and it's important to respect everyone's preferred identity. This respect for identity is a cornerstone of fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Microaggressions, often subtle and sometimes unintentional, can communicate hostile or negative racial messages. Recognizing these and being open to learning from feedback is essential for growth. Being the 'only' in a room can be uncomfortable, and our teams strive to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard and valued, particularly during meetings and collaborative sessions.
Advocacy is another critical aspect of being an ally. At Stryker, there are numerous opportunities to advocate for the Black community, whether through joining community causes, supporting Black-owned businesses, or participating in allyship programs.
We believe that being an ally isn't just a role to adopt during Black History Month but a year-round commitment to learning, growing and taking action. By dedicating ourselves to understanding and supporting marginalized communities, we can make real progress toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
At Stryker, we're dedicated to building strong, lasting bridges to opportunities and relationships, regardless of one's background. As we continue to learn and grow, we invite you to join us in our journey of allyship, not just this month, but throughout the year. Together, we can create a more inclusive, respectful and empowering community.
Content provided by Stryker’s African Ancestry Network
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