Workplace Segregation Strategies: 3 Keys to Promoting Inclusion
Social othering is a persistent issue where certain individuals or groups are labelled as fundamentally different from the dominant or in-group, often based on race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. This division can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and even violence. Left unchecked, it poses significant risks for organizations, including potential discrimination lawsuits and damage to their reputation.
To combat othering, it's essential to foster a culture of inclusion rather than exclusion. Allies and those with influence must take a proactive role in advocating for acceptance and empathy.
Daniela Pierre-Bravo, a former undocumented immigrant and on-air reporter for MSNBC's Morning Joe, provides valuable insights in her book, The Other. Pierre-Bravo offers three key strategies for historically marginalized groups and their allies to navigate othering in the workplace:
- Find Your Motivation: Embrace your personal motivations and the reasons that compel you to strive for a more inclusive environment. As Pierre-Bravo puts it, our motivations are our purpose, mission, and passion, acting as a beacon during tough times.
- Identify Your Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, advocates, and challengers who will support and guide you on your journey. Allies can help level the playing field and speak up for you when you're not present.
- Capitalize on Opportunities: Seize opportunities when they arise for meaningful engagement and dialogue. Remember that in contentious times, it's essential to use your energy strategically, focusing on areas where change is possible.
In the workplace, allies can take their support a step further by educating themselves continuously about the experiences of marginalized groups, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging bias when they encounter it.
Additional Insights:
- Othering practices can have far-reaching consequences, impacting everything from employee morale to a company's bottom line.
- Creating a company culture that values and prioritizes inclusivity is crucial in halting othering and promoting a more welcoming, diverse environment.
- Understanding the experiences and perspectives of historically marginalized groups is essential for allies in fostering a more inclusive workplace.
- Allyship requires consistent effort and active participation in challenging and disrupting the status quo.
- The practice of othering in the workplace can have uncontrollable consequences, such as affecting employee morale and impacting a company's overall success.
- To prevent othering and promote a more welcoming and diverse environment, it's vital for stakeholders in organizations to prioritize and value inclusivity in their culture, communication, and leadership.
- Allies can be effective agents of change by continually educating themselves about the experiences and perspectives of historically marginalized groups, amplifying their voices, and speaking up against discrimination and bias whenever they encounter it.
