In this article, we will address a sensitive topic; racial discrimination. To your surprise, racial discrimination happens very often, but it is a topic that is not addressed properly. Those who are victims of racial discrimination can find it confusing at first, and dealing with it is very challenging as your feelings take a toll and your career.
It shall raise a lot of disturbance; you may think of quitting your job or even changing your work relationships. However, it is important to be in an atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated for the work they are putting in and feel protected. This article will discuss how you can address racial discrimination in your workplace…
Let’s Define Racial Discrimination;
According to the US Equal Opportunity Commission, “race discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because he/she is of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features).”
Racial discrimination is not limited to physicality; for example, one can be discriminated against because of the person they are married to or associated with someone. Racial discrimination takes all forms; a simple comment or a more difficult situation like a decline promotion.
Some persons will try to belittle you by asking questions or making comments about your background, or making it appears like a joke, and when you act oddly, they will try to tell you that you cannot take a joke.
How Racial Discrimination Impacts You
There are different impacts of racial discrimination on an employee;
Fear
When you are a victim of racial discrimination at your workplace, especially based on the color of your skin, there are great chances that you are the minority; thus, this can make you feel unsafe.
If your colleagues are practicing racial discrimination, they may even try to scare you, as most of the time, they want you out of a job.
Depression
An enjoyable workplace will make happy employees. A workplace where you cannot trust anyone, where you feel like you are in constant competition, and on top of that, you are the target of mockeries, I can guarantee that your mental health will take a toll, and you will be depressed.
Depression may reflect another aspect of your life; many people unleash their work frustration on other parts of their lives such as family, partner, or children.
How To Address Racial Discrimination As An Employee
As an employee, you must call out racial discrimination at your workplace; it is the best for you and others; you don’t know who can be the victims.
First of all, you must know that it is happening at your workplace, do not play blind or deaf. You must carry out a little investigation incognito because most of the time, if you confront the victim and the culprit, it can become a blame game very easily.
Whenever you witness it, you should address it right away; they won’t get away with it. They will be more apt to admit their act if caught red-handed.
It is important that you talk to the human resource; I recommend you send them an e-mail first so that everything is written and even after meeting them, write an e-mail to explain what happened during the meeting so that you have proofed all along.
You should also know about the laws concerning racial discrimination; wherever you go, there are laws protecting employees, so you should document that.
Try to create a safe space, for example, a specific mail that will call out things that are not right in a confidential way, or there should be a board panel that will address these topics.
Racial discrimination remains very taboo even if society has evolved. Let us know in the comments if you have ever been a victim of racial discrimination at your workplace…
