Dealing with Racism At Work

Dealing with microaggressions is a challenging issue. People of color experience the stress of workplace cultures that don't always acknowledge how we feel, our experiences or our needs. This can come in the form of being discriminated against due to hairstyle, insensitive comments regarding perceptions about your race, unequal expectations, unequal pay, and a host of other experiences and questioning. Here are a few tips on how to cope.

1. Stay connected to your support system. So often we are dismissed when we bring up our concerns. We are treated as if we are being too sensitive. It is very important to be connected with professionals who understand you and validate your experiences. You are not alone.

2. Document what you are experiencing and address it according to the policies in place. Ensure that you keep an accurate record of what is going on so that you can clearly state the issues to the appropriate person in HR.

3. Stay calm: The last thing you want to do is allow another person to control how you feel. You can choose if you want to respond or not, how you respond and to whom you respond to.

4. Learn who your allies are. Be sure to find allies within the workplace who are responsible for maintaining a healthy workplace environment. Ensure that you know how to reach that person when needed.

5. Practice self care. While we have the burden of influencing change, let us not be consumed with it. Try to have boundaries. Make time to do fun activities by yourself and with the people you love. You deserve happiness and peace.

6. Always know your options. Do your best to work through issues that arise at the workplace. If it is too toxic, and you have exhausted solutions, continue looking for a better opportunity with a healthy work environment while you are there.