Supporting Employee Activism: How Employers Can Help Staff Hit the Streets for Good Causes

In our interconnected world, it's increasingly common for employees to want to stand up for global issues like climate action, social justice, and human rights. Employers can play a big role in backing their teams in these efforts, building a workplace culture that's in tune with the world around it.

Here's how organisations can throw their support behind team members keen to participate in external protests:

1. Flex Your Schedule: Time is often the biggest hurdle. Why not offer flexible hours or let your team switch shifts or rhythms easily when they want to protest? It shows you’re serious about backing their causes.

2. Paid Activism Leave: Forward-thinking companies are now giving their teams a set number of days off each year to support their activism, just like sick days or vacation. This lets employees get involved without worrying about their paycheck.

3. Provide Info and Resources: Hand out info about local protests and educational content on big issues to help your team make smart choices about their activism. An internal hub with legal rights info and protest safety tips can be a big help (this is particularly helpful if you’re in the USA right now).

4. Help with Transport and Safety: Offering a lift to and from protests or chipping in for travel costs can take a load off your team members. Running workshops on safe protesting can also keep everyone informed and safe. This could even look like helping them to go in groups to help with safety.

5. Stand Up for What You Believe In: When your company openly supports specific causes, it gives everyone at work the green light to express their convictions too. This could be through public statements, social media, or even participating in community events. We know this takes courage - we challenge you to think about your fear and question whether that fear should override your courage to stand up for what’s right.

6. Start an Employee Resource Group: Set up a company group focused on social advocacy to create a supportive space where your team can band together over shared concerns. This group can coordinate protest participation, circulate information, and invite speakers to educate others.

7. No Retaliation Allowed: Make it clear that no one will be penalised for protesting. Solid policies protecting freedom of speech and activism are key to maintaining trust and respect in the workplace.

By putting these practices into place, employers don’t just support their teams’ ambitions to impact global issues—they also are walking the talk when it comes to being socially responsible, attracting people who want to work somewhere that mirrors their values. This kind of team engagement leads to a team that's not only motivated and loyal but also deeply invested in making a difference.