Following our recent HR Forum on challenging prejudices: racism, we carried out a five-day race challenge – sending an email on a race related topic every day for a week. The aim of the challenge was to inspire others to keep thinking about racism in the workplace, and to consider what small changes we can make as individuals to help foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
Over the five days we looked at the following topics:
- Day 1: An introduction to the challenge and some recommended reading for understanding racism, both fiction and non-fiction. Click here for full details.
- Day 2: How to get terminology right in the workplace. We considered the importance of talking to staff about terminology and remembering that terminology and preferences can change. We included some suggested reading. Click here for full details.
- Day 3: Everyday racism. We included a list of reading materials looking at microaggressions, and encouraged everyone to reflect on the impact of their own behaviours. Unlike some other forms of prejudice and discrimination, with microaggressions the perpetrator may not always be aware that their behaviour is hurtful. Click here for full details.
- Day 4: Not racist v anti-racist. We considered whether organisations are doing enough to ensure that they are fostering an inclusive and supportive culture where employees understand the importance of being anti-racist. Click here for full details.
- Day 5: Let’s talk (and listen?). We considered whether we need to develop new or better communication skills to avoid microaggression and be good allies. We encouraged people to practice talking and listening about race. Click here for full details.
If you took part in the challenge and have any feedback, would like to find out more or speak to one of our team, please visit our website where you can also sign up for future mailings.
The information provided, plus many more useful links and videos in this challenge, is from a wider ‘21 Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge ©‘ from the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA). The 21-day challenge was founded by Dr Eddie Moore Jr, 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge — America & Moore (eddiemoorejr.com).
This is only intended to be a summary and not specific legal advice. If you would like further information or advice, please do contact a member of our team.
