3 Tips for Navigating the Workplace as a BIPOC

An unfortunate reality of our society is that BIPOC aren't afforded the same opportunity or feelings of safety in places they should feel empowered, such as the workplace. Whether intentional or not, many workplaces still have structural racism built into operations.

But instead of suffering in silence, let's look at some ways BIPOC can navigate the workplace and show up for themselves.

1. Write It Down

McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2019 report states that 42% of Black women reported they had to provide more proof of their competence at work than the 16% of men in the survey.

Keep a diary of your accomplishments and tasks you're completing. This will help you keep track of your workload and help you see if the work you're doing fits into your overall career goals.

Writing things down also helps you determine if you're being asked to do grunt work instead of something that will advance your career. Make note of what you did and if you felt good about it. Ask yourself, did you feel you were treated fairly in doing that work? Be sure to document any discrimination, too (you may want to keep your documentation on a personal computer rather than a company one).

You can reference your work diary when it's time to ask for a promotion, too. You'll have a concrete list of your work and accomplishments to support your ask. If you feel you're still being stifled in your current workplace, it can be useful to apply for new jobs as an outline of your specific competencies.

2. Make Connections

One of the most important things BIPOC can do in the workplace is leverage their connections. Who are your allies, mentors, and sponsors? Does your company have an employee resource group for marginalized employees? These people can help you understand the best ways to communicate with managers and peers.

These will also be people you can turn to for crisis advice, including who on your team is an advocate that can influence a manager or peer you're struggling with. If you're not sure where to find these people in your own workplace, look to other senior colleagues in the industry. Be wary of giving away too much, though, especially if you're under an NDA.

Building these diverse connections is not only important for your current job, but for future networking as well. These relationships can help increase your social capital and are an important structural support you'll want to have in place before you actually need it for networking.

3. Know When to Push Back

Sometimes, the workplace can be a field of little battles you have to pick your way through. Determining if a situation is the right time to push back can muddy.

One instance you should push back in is in DEI initiatives. If you feel the initiative is insincere or insensitive, speak up. If they lack resources, the work may fall on you or your other BIPOC coworkers without added compensation. You might be "voluntold" to lead this initiative. But if your plate is already full or you don't want to do the work without compensation or recognition, you are allowed to say no.

The same applies if you're roped into helping source BIPOC job candidates or made to represent the company as a token BIPOC (especially if it's not within your job function). If you push back here, advise your company to look into hiring a consultant whose job it is to help them develop and achieve DEI goals.

Another area to push back in is with pay. If you learn a non-BIPOC colleague in a lower position or similar position is making more than you, tell your manager you'd like to discuss compensation. If your manager is unable to help, connect with your HR department for compensation package specifics.

You don't have to go it alone. Therapy can help BIPOC gain confidence and empowerment in the workplace. Reach out today to learn more about setting up an appointment.