Being Black at work is still challenging. Even though many believe racism is a thing of the past, it still happens in Canada. Cities like Toronto are known for their diversity, but racism remains an issue. Statistics Canada reports that 46 per cent of Black people in Canada have experienced discrimination.
In this blog, we take a closer look at everyday challenges Black employees face at their work.
Black workers code-switch to be taken seriously
In general terms, code-switching refers to a person changing their behaviour, way of speaking, and appearance to fit in or make an impression. For many Black people, this involves switching personalities that include “acting Black,” among family and friends and “acting white,” when they are at work. Code switching is prevalent in many work environments with limited diversity. In many cases, Black people sometimes feel pressured to act a certain way at their workplace in order to be treated fairly.
Black workers mentally prepare for discrimination
According to a study, 77 per cent of racialized Canadians admit to being prepared to face discrimination at work. Discrimination takes a subtle form at work; it can manifest in ways that others hardly notice, including dismissiveness, being passed over for promotions, or being offered lower pay. It could also include making jokes or insensitive remarks about people of colour.
Black workers face exclusion in education and opportunities
Although Black Canadians are more educated than at any other point in time in history. Statistics Canada shows that education levels for Black Canadians remain lower than those of white Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, 60.9 per cent of Black Canadian women have a post-secondary degree compared to 66.5 per cent of their white counterparts. In many educational institutions in Canada, the acceptance rate is usually limited to those from racialized communities. A lack of higher education stifles career opportunities and limits growth potential.
Black Workers Face Microaggressions based on their identity
A study by the Harvard Business Review revealed that Black job applicants who changed their names and resumes to make them more appealing had a better chance of receiving a call back than those who didn’t change or doctor their resumes. The study revealed that 10 per cent of Black candidates received call backs for their undoctored resumes compared to 25 per cent who whitened their resumes by changing their names or removing references to Black organizations they were associated with.
Black workers’ authority is disputed more often than their white colleagues
It’s a given in many workplaces, leaders often accept ideas from people who look like them. Black people are often confronted with the challenge of proving themselves and having their ideas and opinions respected and trusted. In Canada, 72 per cent of senior management roles are held by white men, which often leads to the perpetuation of a white male worldview in business.
Workplace inclusion policies aren’t built to Black workers’ needs
More Black people feel that they can’t fit in or are less likely to be engaged in their workplace. Many feel they need to create an alternate persona to fit in. This affects Black women more than men, with 69 per cent of Black women saying that they had thoughts of quitting their job. This is often the result of the lack of consideration to the unique needs of Black employees at work. Although diversity can open doors to work opportunities, inclusion is pivotal in allowing Black people to feel safe and have their ideas listened to and respected.
Black workers are often expected to be a voice for their entire community
When Black people rise on the corporate ladder, they are often confronted with a challenging conundrum. They often find themselves to be the only person of colour in the room, and they have to be a voice for all Black or racialized people. This often puts pressure on them to speak for a highly diverse group of people with varying opinions, backgrounds and ideas.
Black workers face unrealistic expectations
Numerous companies now advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. While that is a noble cause, many Black workers who are hired find that they have to prove themselves in an otherwise hostile job environment to counteract the biases that persist about them. Black employees often have to excel and go above and beyond to prove that they earned their job in a way that their white colleagues haven’t.
David Messiha | Staff Writer