Racism is a global issue that is often ignored. It seems organizations and people have internalized racist stereotypes. To eradicate racism, we must be ready to discuss the effects of these stereotypes.
Usually, when an event creates negative publicity does an organization realize that racism is an issue. Today, more communities and consumers are attracted to brands that seek equality and social justice.
There are approaches businesses can use to stop racism and discrimination at work.
1. Integrate anti-racism into values, actions, and training
Developing a better, healthier, and stronger workplace requires a solid set of values. These have to be integrated into every process, decision, and policy.
It is high time businesses denounce weak partnerships, policies, and behaviors that oppose business values. Businesses have to focus on cultivating an environment that makes it impossible for racism to exist.
Besides, anti-racism training must do more than just checking the box. It should educate and promote positive change. However, training is not enough to change people’s perspectives.
So, companies will need to actively engage in reducing bias through training and embedding a culture of diversity. Ultimately, the management is responsible for demonstrating a commitment to diversity.
What’s more, they must actively share their stance on racial discrimination. Also, leaders should communicate what businesses can’t tolerate and the violation consequences.
2. Let the conversation continue
The first thing businesses have to acknowledge is that racism is a global workplace issue. Businesses should recognize current injustices and express their devotion to doing better.
Most important, they should back up their words with actions or risk them becoming empty promises. Employers can accomplish this by initiating productive and respectful discussions.
Also, businesses should put in place channels that allow employees to be safe as they voice their racial issues.
3. Spread awareness
Besides conversations, employers should provide educational resources on the culture of racism. It is a good way of spreading awareness about the history of racism across different races.
Most people do not know about racial injustice. Unfortunately, victims of racism do not speak out to avoid unfair judgment or retaliation. This is one area where management fails since it ignores discriminatory comments or downplays such behavior.
Thus, spreading awareness of racial discrimination is necessary. Employers must hold themselves accountable including highlighting social issues on their platforms.
4. Embrace diversity and deal with unconscious bias
Employers can use the hiring project to fight racial discrimination. Leaders are responsible for establishing business culture whether intentional or not. To make meaningful action against racism at work, most leaders must step up.
Without action, the talk about diversity and inclusion in the workplace means little. Most employers perpetuate racism in the workplace unknowingly by failing to realize the flaw of the internal company culture.
Dealing with unconscious bias in organizations can occur through third-party and feedback from colleagues. Also, an honest look at culture can address hindrances that promote racial injustice. Today, companies have an opportunity of recognizing their unconscious bias and prioritizing the creation of a more diverse workplace. To do this, employers can include blind hiring in their recruitment process.
