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Race, ethnicity, and culture in the workplace

We all have multiple identities that affect our life experience, how we perceive the world, and how we are perceived by others. Our gender, race, ethnicity, and culture intersect to shape the opportunities and challenges we face at work. Acknowledging and addressing this reality is key to creating inclusive workplaces.

Manifestations of workplace racism

Employees experience racism at work by being passed over for promotion, being paid less, and excluded from advancement opportunities. Racism at work also means being targeted with slurs and stereotypes, as well as derisive comments about physical features, dress, and cultural practices. These experiences can have profound professional, emotional, and psychological impacts on individuals.

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Racism is pervasive

  • 66%

    of employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups have experienced racism at work.

  • 41%

    of employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups who have experienced workplace racism reported that it came from leaders.

An intersectional approach is key

Traditional inclusion strategies often take a siloed approach, but true inclusion requires recognizing how the overlapping identities of employees such as race, gender, disability, and sexuality, intersect with systems of power.

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Related video

Related podcast episode

Episode 102: It’s not all doom & gloom: State of DEI