Women of Color in the Workplace
In recent years, the workplace has undergone a significant evolution to become increasingly inclusive. However, women of color and other minority groups still face complex and unique challenges that often go unaddressed.
Women of color often have to deal with both gender and racial biases. These biases can impact their opportunities for advancement, professional growth, mental health, and overall job satisfaction.
Taking the time to better understand these challenges and find ways to cope can help women of color build resilience, advocate for themselves, and create the necessary space for change. Let’s learn more about the challenges facing women of color in the workplace and ways to cope.
Discrimination
Women of color frequently have to navigate sexism and racism at the same time. This double discrimination can cause them to be underpaid compared to their peers, excluded from important conversations, and overlooked for promotions. Women of color can be judged or criticized more harshly and expected to work even harder just to prove themselves.
Stereotyping
Women of color are often labeled or stereotyped in the workplace. Their capability, intelligence, and assertiveness are questioned. They may have to regularly deal with microaggressions and insults, even if they’re unintentional. These stereotypes, labels, and microaggressions can start to wear down their confidence levels, lead to isolation, and even feelings of impostor syndrome.
Pressure to Conform
Many women of color feel the need to change themselves to fit in with their predominantly white and/or male coworkers. The changes can affect physical appearance, personality, or communication style. This process is known as code-switching, and it can lead to a further disconnect between their true and authentic self versus their professional persona.
Lack of Representation
There is often a lack of diversity in different departments or leadership roles, especially when it comes to minority groups. This lack of representation can make it even harder to connect with someone with shared experiences.
Mentors, or someone who can help advocate for their professional advancement, are also hard to find in these environments. This lack of representation in leaders on their team or in the overall company can make it more difficult for them to envision their next steps and future with the company.
How to Cope
Feeling uncomfortable at work can have a significant impact on your quality of life, and it’s important to have strategies in place for how to cope. Below are some helpful methods for protecting your peace of mind.
Lean on Your Loved Ones
Being a woman of color in the workplace can be challenging. Even if you feel like you’re alone, it’s important to remember that you have family and friends who love and support you. Make sure you’re leaning on them during this time. If you’d rather talk to someone in your career or field, ask your HR department if there is an employee resource group to help provide insight and help you feel a little less alone.
Document Everything
Make sure you’re keeping track of any incidents that are occurring during your time in the workplace. If you’re experiencing biased feedback, exclusion, or microaggressions, it’s important to document these types of interactions.
Documenting will help you validate your experiences, especially if you’re being minimized, dismissed, or gaslit. You’ll also have a record and proof if you need to escalate any of your concerns to HR or even the legal team for support.
Seek Additional Support
Dealing with these workplace challenges can take a serious toll on your overall mental health and wellness. Although it may be easier said than done, try to prioritize your mental health during this time.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed and trained mental health professional for added support through adult therapy. They’ll be able to validate your emotions and help you come up with a game plan to cope and move forward as a woman of color in the workplace.
Address
The Counseling Hub, LLC
2804 Forum Blvd., Ste 4
Columbia, MO 65203
Contact Information
p | (573)586-3204
f | (573) 313-3528
e | contact@thecounselinghub.com
Hours
Admin/Ops Team | Monday - Friday: 10a - 3p
*Clinical hours are by appointment only, Sunday - Friday
We have both clinical hours, or the times when our clinical team sees clients, and admin hours, or the times when our admin team is available via call or email.
