How to Handle Race Relations at Work
Having a diverse team is a good thing. It would be great to have different perspectives. You can also understand your target audiences better if your employees come from different cultural backgrounds. The problem is that not everyone sees diversity as an asset. Others might not even know how to handle differences in this regard. 2020 is probably one of the worst years in the country’s history in terms of race relations. Old wounds that seem to have already healed are apparently still fresh. Unfair criminal justice policies and policing are among the reasons why racial tensions occur. If it’s also happening at the workplace, these are some things you need to do.
Always highlight the need for diversity
It should be clear to everyone that you appreciate diversity, and you see it as an asset. Explain how a diverse cultural background can bring the team to success. Some employees might not understand it. Others will think that you’re trying to diversify the team because it seems to be a popular policy. Make it clear that you don’t pander to any race. You just want to see different perspectives. You also see the benefits of having different racial backgrounds within the same organization, especially if your target audiences are also from different racial groups.
Don’t tolerate racism in any form
If you hear about reports of racism, you need to conduct a swift and unbiased internal investigation. You can’t tolerate anyone who has racist tendencies in the organization. It goes against everything you stand for. You should also include it in your employee manual. If your employees don’t feel comfortable with this policy, they’re free to leave. Aspiring employees don’t have to apply at all.
Modernize your race relations workshops
Dealing with racial tensions isn’t new. The country has always been a land of immigrants and people of different backgrounds. Racial tensions are also common across organizations. Some companies handled issues by playing old tapes on how to avoid racism. The problem is that these videos are outdated, and might even be offensive. Ditch them and come up with a more modern approach. You can also hire speakers who can speak about racial injustices in a clear and easier to digest manner.
You can’t immediately stop these tensions. Some people have practiced that others don’t understand. The key isn’t to embrace what others are doing, but to simply be accepting. It’s also about learning how to control words and avoid saying something that will potentially offend others. It’s a learning process, and everyone should try to learn.
It will also help you learn as a leader. You might have tendencies to be biased against certain group and it reflects on the way you make decisions or express yourself. You don’t have bad intentions, but it’s not about intentions. It’s about how others feel.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://unsplash.com/photos/LjqARJaJotc
2nd image from https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2016/wm-announces-actions-to-improve-diversity,-race-relations-on-campus.php
