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Better Allies
@betterallies.bsky.social
680 followers 120 following 340 posts
Influencing how workplaces become better, one ally at a time. Posts by Karen Catlin, author of Better Allies® books & the 5 Ally Actions newsletter

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betterallies.bsky.social
I ensure fair access to promotable work because women, esp women of color, spend significantly more time on tasks that don’t lead to advancement. (Eg onboarding new hires, scheduling social events, resolving conflicts, or jumping in to help when others are overloaded)
Graphic with the message I ensure fair access to promotable work because women, especially women of color, spend significantly more time on tasks that don’t lead to advancement. There’s also a drawing of a person giving a virtual presentation, with another person who appears to be a woman contributing work to the presentation. She comes across as busily supporting the other person, and not getting the highly-visible, career-advancing opportunity to present a work project. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
November 11, 2025 at 5:18 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
The most popular suggestion from my 5 Ally Actions newsletter last month? Use this hyperlegible font.
November 7, 2025 at 10:40 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
If your organization uses AI to screen resumes or evaluate candidates, don’t let it make decisions unchecked. Advocate for a short pause step in the hiring process to review the AI-generated materials for biased assumptions about age or gender.
November 6, 2025 at 5:59 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Research from Stanford is troubling yet not surprising: AI can reinforce age & gender bias, esp against older women:

Portrayed women as younger & less experienced
Rated older men’s resumes more favorably

If you use AI to screen resumes or evaluate candidates, don’t let it make decisions unchecked.
Graphic with the message AI might speed up hiring; It shouldn’t also speed up discrimination. Before finalizing candidates, Let’s review AI-generated material for biased assumptions about age or gender. There’s also a drawing of three cards, representing job candidates of different racial identities and genders. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
November 4, 2025 at 6:58 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
This segment of today's "5 Ally Actions" newsletter is generating a lot of buzz: Use this hyperlegible font

Access the links and read the other ally actions at mailchi.mp/28bf70c7a9e4...
Screen shot of the 5 Ally Actions newsletter from October 31 2025, showing action number 3: Use this hyperlegible font. The text reads: In 2022, a newsletter subscriber told me about a free typeface from the Braille Institute that can help increase character recognition, which ultimately improves the readability of a document for low-vision readers. It’s called Atkinson Hyperlegible, named after Braille Institute founder J. Robert Atkinson. I immediately downloaded it, and I’ve used it ever since in my client proposals and contracts.Learn more about its benefits in this Instagram post by BlindishLatina. As we wrap up National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the U.S. (October), I hope you’ll consider using it. And remember, it’s absolutely free.
October 31, 2025 at 8:39 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Research from Harvard found reminding hiring managers to consider what perspectives are missing from teams led them to hire better talent:

“If you hire everyone with similar characteristics, your group thinking and decision-making will be weaker as you’ll miss out on important perspectives”
October 30, 2025 at 7:55 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
After the nth PR person told me to do videos based on my "5 Ally Actions" newsletter, I took the plunge.

That was 18 months ago. I've since published 64 shorts on YouTube.

If you'd like to create a better workplace, subscribe to The Better Allies Minute channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Banner for The Better Allies Minute, a YouTube channel about creating a better workplace in less than 60 seconds. It has a photo of Karen Catlin with a large friendly smile.
October 29, 2025 at 5:58 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
I love research like this.

To overcome biases and hire the best candidates, use a simple nudge:

“If you hire everyone with similar characteristics, your group thinking and decision-making will be weaker as you’ll miss out on important perspectives”

Source: HBR hbr.org/2025/10/a-re...
Graphic with the message use this nudge to find the best candidates (and overcome bias). “If you hire everyone with similar characteristics, your group thinking and decision-making will be weaker as you’ll miss out on important perspectives”. There’s also a drawing of two people who look like they’re discussing a resume. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
October 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
This week's "5 Ally Actions" newsletter is resonating a lot with folks, especially on LinkedIn and in my inbox.

Simple actions to create better workplaces - the kinds of places you want (and others need).

mailchi.mp/40cdc9c1f11a...
Photo of Karen Catlin with a large smile, standing near a suspended glowing light bulb. The next reads Join 40,000+ learners who are creating workplaces where everyone can thrive with 5 Ally Actions, a weekly newsletter by Karen Catlin. The URL is Better Allies dot com slash subscribe.
October 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
I do my best to learn how to pronounce someone's name.
How about you?
Graphic with the message I learn how to say someone’s name. By consistently mispronouncing someone’s name, you’re saying “You’re not important enough for me to put in the effort.” There’s also a drawing of a person holding two cards, with a large magnifying glass above them, signaling they are searching for the right pronunciation of a name. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
October 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
When you consistently say someone’s name wrong, you send the message that they’re not important.
October 21, 2025 at 7:58 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
I recently visited western Massachusetts and loved seeing the historic buildings next to such a visible display of Pride and inclusion.
Photo of a rainbow-colored sidewalk. Across the street is an old building made of red bricks that looks like it’s from another era (which it is). The contrast between history and embracing change is evident.
October 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Here’s a hot tip for hiring managers.

Ask the receptionist how a candidate treated them. (While they’re often polished in interviews, a candidate’s true character shows in everyday interactions.)
October 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
While candidates can be polished in interviews, true character shows in everyday interactions. So, as Chief Talent Officer at Netflix. Jessica Neal asked receptionists how candidates treated them.

Dismissive, rude, or demanding? They didn't move forward.

Because those behaviors poison culture.
Graphic with the message I tap into overlooked voices by seeking their experience and making their feedback count in decisions. E.g., Asking a receptionist how a candidate treated them when they arrived for an interview. There’s also a drawing of a person sitting behind what looks to be a receptionist desk. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
October 13, 2025 at 8:04 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
"Without hope, we fall into apathy and do nothing." — Dr. Jane Goodall

That quote has been on my mind this week. It’s a powerful reminder that staying hopeful isn’t naive — it’s necessary for change.

Let’s keep building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

#BetterAllies #BetterWorkplaces
October 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Last week, Dr. Jane Goodall died. In an interview released after her death, she said:

“Without hope, we fall into apathy and do nothing.”

While she may have been talking about the decline in humanity overall, her wisdom applies to workplaces. By doing nothing, we silently accept biased cultures.
Graphic with the message I stay hopeful, taking action wherever I can. When we stop believing change is possible, we stop trying. And by doing nothing, we silently accept cultures that may be biased or unfair. There’s also a drawing of a person holding a card that looks like it could be an internal memo and a jubilant arm held in the air. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
October 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
By spotlighting great leadership, we help others model themselves on the best—not the worst.

Build the workplace culture you want (and others need).

#BetterAllies #BetterWorkplaces 🙏
October 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Let's spotlight examples of great leadership.

Instead of dwelling on poor examples (which are ubiquitous in these times), we can highlight the good ones, giving people targets to emulate.

(Keep reading for examples 👇 🧵)
Graphic with the message I spotlight examples of great leadership. Instead of dwelling on poor examples (which are ubiquitous in these times), we can highlight the good ones, giving people targets to emulate. There’s also a drawing of a person wearing a red cape with one arm in the air, looking strong and powerful. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
September 30, 2025 at 6:09 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Is it "free speech," or "me speech" used as a shield for harmful behavior?

(This is an excerpt from my upcoming “5 Ally Actions” newsletter. Subscribe and read the full edition at betterallies.com/subscribe)

#BetterAllies #BetterWorkplaces 🙏
September 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Picture this: An employee calls out a manager’s “joke” about accents as offensive. The manager shrugs it off. “It was just a joke. I have the right to free speech.”

Let’s notice when someone misuses free speech as a shield for harmful behavior. And speak up.

#Inclusion #BetterWorkplaces
Graphic with the message I don’t let “free speech” excuse harm in workplaces. Because some people invoke “free speech” to defend harmful behavior. It was just a joke. I have the right to free speech. There’s also a drawing of a person holding a bubble indicating they’re saying something. The bubble has a triangular warning sign in it. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
September 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
More companies are mandating a return-to-office, or RTO. While they often justify it with better collaboration and performance, research finds a serious concern: Women tend to face significantly more gender discrimination when they are on-site than when they work remotely.

What's an ally to do?
September 18, 2025 at 7:52 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Love this message on the American Fisheries Society home page.

p.s. I also noticed that they recommend my newsletter. TY. Grinning like I just reeled in a big one!

fishcast.fisheries.org
screen shot of American Fisheries Society home page. It reads Diverse perspectives and ideas yield stronger resultsIf you could pick one fishing lure to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Thankfully, we have access to a diverse variety of tackle adapted for multiple species and conditions. As with fishing, the fisheries field requires a diverse and adaptable community to address complex and unpredictable environments that not only include fish but also the humans and communities that use or depend on those fish. Success requires an inclusive and equitable fisheries society.
September 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
More and more companies are mandating a return-to-office, or RTO. While they often justify it with better collaboration & performance, research finds a serious concern: Women tend to face significantly more gender discrimination when they are on-site than when they work remotely.

Stick with me 👇 🧵
Graphic with the message Given return-to-office mandates, I pledge to advocate and champion for women, now more than ever. Research shows that women face more gender discrimination on-site than when they work remotely. There's a drawing of three people in a virtuous circle of emailing, texting, leaving emoji hearts, and giving each other thumbs ups. Credit to research by Laura Doering, PhD & András Tilcsik, PhD. Along the bottom is the @BetterAllies handle and credit to @ninalimpi for the drawing.
September 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
"I LOVE your newsletter and have recommended it to people time and again." -- From one of the 40,000 subscribers to 5 Ally Actions

Not yet a subscriber? Check out today's edition to learn how to create better workplaces where everyone can do their best work and thrive:

mailchi.mp/4e01b8284fce...
Photo of Karen Catlin with a large smile, standing near a suspended glowing light bulb. The next reads Join 40,000+ learners who are creating workplaces where everyone can thrive with 5 Ally Actions, a weekly newsletter by Karen Catlin. The URL is Better Allies dot com slash subscribe.
September 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
betterallies.bsky.social
Ever tried “Let them / Let me” at work?
It’s a powerful way to respond with allyship, not silence.
September 11, 2025 at 6:33 PM