RACISM IN THE WORKPLACE | What They Don't Tell You - Episode 1 feat. Trudy

[@Claudia-yc8xk]

We 100% need more of these conversations. Im currently experiencing now at university, I have come back to uni as a mature student studying in a field that is predominately white. In my class out of 98 students there are 2 black people including me. I have experienced being ignored and not being included in conversations and genuinely given the cold shoulder for no apparent reason. Thank goodness I am quite resilient and can handle most things but it is not a nice feeling.

[@angiepatel1923]

We need more conversations around this issue. In this day and age this is still happening.

[@AbbieAppiah]

Welcome to Episode 1 of the New Live Series - 'WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU'. In this episode I'm joined by Trudy, a HR Project Manager to discuss Racism in the Workplace. Let us know your thoughts below! Like, Share & Subscribe x

[@colettensatu4234]

Having heard both of your accounts as per your experience, I remember a situation where a white lady in the office thought it was nice for her to tell me that the job that I got was for her daughter's (who was working full time at another company). As far as I was aware, I applied for the job through the standard channels, went through the interview process and I was called back based on my performance following all the security checks. So, to have someone say that I had taken her daughter's job, I wondered what had happened. However, it turned out later she was hoping her daughter can get the job without applying and somehow I was an inconvenience especially as great feedback was coming back from senior colleagues in different parts of the business and partners. In many instances, I had to remove myself from certain situations or not comment when a provocative statement was put forward in conversations. I remember situations where I would make a valid point in team meetings and she'll play a role where like she didn't understand it, so I learnt to quickly get everyone else on the same page as myself, so they would look back at her to explain what she didn't understand. She quickly learnt to behave and the limited contact I had with her the better. In the event, I would need to have a professional conversation/ dealings, I would draft a very detailed email with the information and notify her in person politely. So, anything bad would be coming from her and I had my email as proof of the details that I had given on top of my handover notes for the next colleagues after me coming on shift which would include the email or records of the conversations had. As per the training HR colleagues mentioned as per diversity, this should be given to all colleagues (perm and contract) of businesses and a refreshed every six months with activity questions. Also, team bounding activities should have talks about colleagues of different cultures situations interactions in work, scenarios should be provided while disclosing details of people's experiences in life without letting on their race (maybe they lived overseas, languages they know, bad experiences and so on) which would highlight how they may operate before the race is revealed. Unfortunately, due to upbringings, some people are good at denying the harm that they're causing or would camouflage it by saying a colleague is too sensitive, so by highlighting this and then reinforcing company policies, colleagues of various walks of life would have a better experience in the workplace. The disclosure of race for the activity scenarios should be done at the end and answering to the scenarios should be free for everyone to answer how they want. In this way, a review can highlight areas to work on. As per remedies, having speakers who represent the large majority of employees as per race in the business highlighting the issues in the way that these groups of people would understand and bring in colleagues or external speakers from other races too in order reach a good balance.

[@AbbieAppiah]

Wow, I actually can't believe she had the cheek to say that to you and attempt to make you feel uncomfortable especially as you were a new addition to the team. This is exactly what I mean when I say that just because its not obvious, doesn't mean it not happening to people. That type of behaviour from even one person is what causes people to leave their jobs completely especially when after reporting it they are often made to feel as though they're being too sensitive. You handled that impeccably & I'm glad your other colleagues didn't join in on her agenda. Your comments on the training that should be given are spot on. My HR manager shall be hearing from me shortly. Thank you for sharing!

[@Blossom_x3]

Loved it !!!!!!

[@AbbieAppiah]

Rho- Lin thankyou Rhoda!❤️

[@fallofmanbrand]

nice video bro