If you’re in the minority, whether that be because of race, sex, gender, or physical ability, for example, supercharge your job search to include not only a challenging position with good pay but also a welcoming workplace conducive to helping you thrive; and have a plan for how you’ll meet your potential once you get there. Today’s blog aims to help you achieve these goals; but first, let’s take a quick look at some of the problems minorities have faced in the workplace to provide perspective on why the job tips that follow will be so important to heed.
Historically, the work experience of people who are not part of the majority culture has been fraught with inequity. A few examples include: They have earned less pay than white males in the same position; they have been placed in a job below their skill sets or, the opposite, a job that they are not qualified for; or they have been denied promotions in favor of others who may not have been as qualified simply because the other people “fit” in the boys club.
Fortunately, more workplaces are working to rectify such problems, but that doesn’t mean you’ll encounter a smooth-sailing work experience just because the CEO has required all staffers to undergo diversity training, for example. Most workplaces are still evolving and going through growing pains, even those with diversity initiatives. No workplace is perfect.
Still, how can you identify a workplace where you may have a shot at a fulfilling experience if you’re a member of a minority—a workplace where you might thrive? Consider these tips:
- Ask yourself this: How does the company’s leadership lineup appear on its website? If most of the faces are not reflective of our diverse society, the company may have a diversity problem—not only in its staffing but in the attitudes of top leadership, which often trickle down to workplace practices, business priorities, and the treatment of staffers. Even if this workplace has a diversity plan, you will want to consider whether you want to be one of the employees the company “experiments” on before it finds its footing in offering a healthy, inclusive working environment. Continue to read on about how you can find out what various workplace environments have to offer before you apply for jobs.
- Seek out job search services or websites that provide employee comments about their workplaces. Glassdoor.com, for example, shows current and former employees’ comments about their organizations; or fairygodboss.com, another example, is designed to help women succeed in the workplace—it publishes workplace reviews and ratings on whether women and men are treated equally on the job and, among other things, serves as a forum for them to help one another navigate difficult work situations.
- Seek out organizations devoted to helping you find a job in a welcoming business. For example, Talent Acquisition Portal (tapability.org) helps people with disabilities find empowering employment. Using relevant search terms, Google other organizations that may be able to help you depending on your situation.
- Research articles that list great places to work for people of particular backgrounds. For instance, Monster.com, in an article titled “Best Companies for LGBTQ Workers,” lists many companies that are reportedly good workplaces for LGBTQ employees: Top LGBTQ-Friendly Companies | Monster.com.
- If your industry has an advocacy group—for example, the National Association of Black Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association seek to root out inequities in newsrooms and expand journalism job opportunities for people of color—join it. Such organizations can provide great networking opportunities with members who can make recommendations for great places to work. You can also check out an organization’s website for info it may have about various employers or call or email them for information or leads. Also consult the group’s membership directory, which may show members’ place of employment. Find members who work for companies you’ve been considering applying to, and contact them via email or phone for information or advice regarding their workplace.
- Outside of organizations to which you may belong, check in with mentors and allies you have made over the years. What have they heard or what do they know about various workplaces? Do they have a personal experience to share? Take them out for coffee or lunch and learn what you can.
All this said, once you start working in an enlightened environment, stay focused on success by properly navigating your workplace. How do you do that?
- Learn your workplace policies and follow them to the T.
- Be open to professionally befriending your colleagues—all of them, even those who might seem resistant to “difference.” I myself, a black woman, am a case in point. In one of my jobs, I befriended a man who was a member of a white supremacy organization—and by virtue of simply being kind to him, I changed his views for the better about people who did not look like him. Undoubtedly, his change of heart and attitude transferred over to the work environment, helping to make our workplace healthier and wealthier. Happier workers are more productive.
- Regardless of what you encounter at work, always try to present a positive outlook. You may be feeling down for a multitude of reasons, work related or otherwise, but try not to let that show. If your sadness directly relates to work, try to resolve the issue that is causing the emotion. If you exhaust all proper avenues in that pursuit, including seeking appropriate professional assistance, and have no success, then it may be time to look for a workplace that is more in line with your values and what you seek for yourself in terms of growth, advancement, training, and development.
- Maintain membership in your advocacy organization and your ties with mentors and other allies. You never know when you may need them to stand up for you should you be at the end of unfair, discriminatory workplace practices.
A book could be written about finding success in the workplace as a minority, but all good things must come to an end and so must this blog. For more informative blogs on similar and other topics, keep checking www.imcleaders.com each month!
