One of the most commonly ignored global issues that people are facing is racial discrimination. In the workplace, there is an unsettling paradox. While organizations rave about the beauty of diversity and the benefits of an inclusive and multicultural workforce, there is negative energy that undermines all of it, and that is racism. Racism is similar to a virus that infects and lingers in an organization because people have internalized racist stereotypes.

What is Racial Discrimination?

Racial discrimination is the practice of treating people differently based on their race and color. It also includes discrimination based on national origin. The law prohibits discrimination of any kind in the workplace, but in reality, it is difficult to eradicate racism in the workplace simply because the impact of stereotyping and how it affects decision-making in the organization is too ingrained in the people and the organization’s culture. 

How to deal with racial discrimination in the workplace?

Many people think that wearing anti-discrimination shirts and posting black squares on social media would be enough to lessen the stigma of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace. Unfortunately, you have to do more than just make a statement — you need to follow it up with actions.

Here are some ways to deal with and tackle racial discrimination at the workplace:

Spread awareness

The sad reality that we are facing is that the majority of the victims of racial injustice remain silent for fear of retaliation and being unfairly judged by other people. The fault of organizations is that they downplay the severity of the behavior or simply turn a blind eye to the racial slur made against their employee. Doing so is similar to saying that racism is acceptable. 

Companies should take a stand and spread awareness that they are serious about eradicating racial injustice in their organization. Posting a statement on their website or on social media is a solid show of support to their cause. 

Don’t let the conversation stop

It is very important to acknowledge the issue and the racial injustices present in the organization and commit to making things better. Sure, it’s good to post anti-discrimination statements and talk openly against them, but it’s better if you back up your words with commendable action. Forming employee resource groups and creating avenues for employees to openly talk about racial issues would be beneficial for everyone.

Managers can likewise initiate respectful and productive discussions, making sure that minority voices are given a chance to speak their minds to get different ideas from diverse perspectives.

Ingrain anti-racism into your values and actions

Organizations should build a strong, healthy, and optimal workplace culture where racist ideas and stereotypes have no room to grow. There should be a focus on cultivating a work environment where racial discrimination will not thrive. 

Training should be conducted not for compliance purposes but to drive change and to educate. Companies should likewise embed processes, training, and policies with values that would create a work culture rooted in inclusion and diversity.

Tackle unconscious bias

In the workplace, racial injustice comes in many forms. But most of them are manifested through what competent lawyers call microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional acts of racial discrimination against people or members of a marginalized group. 

Seemingly innocent questions and comments like complimenting Latinos on their English skills and asking black people where they’re from are considered microaggressions. It implies stereotypical assumptions that people from other races or colors are not well-educated.

If you are to reduce racism, you must change your unconscious bias and decrease microaggression. Taking meaningful action against racial bias in the hiring process is one way to combat racial injustice in the workforce.

Takeaway

The year 2020 may be a historical year for people fighting for racial injustice, with more than 30 countries protesting and spreading awareness of the racial injustices that you have today. It’s too bad that a tragedy like George Floyd’s death needed to happen before you open your eyes to the sad truth and decide to do something about it.

Racism is bad for business. Not only will it undermine the productivity and the morale of your workforce, but it is possible to put your organization in legal jeopardy. Instead of preaching the words ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ in your employee seminars, enforce these concepts in your workforce.