Antiracism Nostradamus

antiracism microaggressions wellbeing Dec 05, 2023
Picture of a pair of hands holding a candle inside a glass

Our Prediction for the Future of Anti-Racism Work in Organisations

 

The way organisations understand and approach race, culture, and belonging has evolved significantly over time. What was once framed as surface-level diversity has gradually shifted towards deeper conversations about equity, power, and responsibility. Understanding this progression is essential for organisations committed to equity diversity inclusion, diversity and inclusion at work, and long-term cultural change.

Below is a simple reflection framework that illustrates how organisational thinking has evolved—and where it must go next.

 

The Past: Multicultural Awareness

Ancient question: How is your organisation multicultural?

Earlier approaches to diversity and inclusion often focused on representation alone. Being ‘multicultural’ was frequently defined by visible differences, who was in the room, rather than how power was shared or whose voices were truly heard. While representation matters, this approach rarely addressed racism at the workplace or the lived experiences of racially marginalised employees.

 

The Past: Cultural Cohesion

Old question: How is your organisation culturally cohesive?

As organisations progressed, attention shifted towards harmony and shared values. While cohesion can be positive, it sometimes resulted in pressure to conform, unintentionally silencing difference. Without addressing unconscious bias, these environments often prioritised comfort over justice, limiting meaningful inclusion in the workplace.

 

The Present: Anti-Racism

Present question: How is your organisation anti-racist?

Today, many organisations are beginning to name racism explicitly and take steps to challenge it. Anti-racism work involves recognising systemic inequality, addressing microaggressions, and investing in anti racism training and DEI training. This stage requires moving beyond intention to action, examining policies, leadership behaviours, and everyday practices that reinforce or disrupt inequality.

 

The Future: Cultural Compassion

Future question: How is your organisation creating a culturally compassionate work environment?

The future of workplace inclusion lies in cultural compassion. This goes beyond compliance or awareness and centres empathy, accountability, and repair. Culturally compassionate organisations prioritise inclusive leadership, practise cultural humility, and create psychologically safe environments where difficult conversations can happen with care and confidence.

A culturally compassionate inclusive workplace acknowledges harm when it occurs, responds effectively to racialised incidents, and supports learning rather than defensiveness. This is where workplace inclusion diversity becomes lived experience, not just policy.

 

Why Microaggressions Matter

Understanding how microaggressions impact racially marginalised people and learning how to navigate the difficult conversations they create is a critical step towards meaningful change. Microaggressions are often rooted in unconscious bias, and without the right tools, they can quietly erode trust, wellbeing, and belonging at work.

Equipping teams with practical, evidence-based strategies helps organisations move from awareness to action and supports sustainable cultural change.

 

Learn More

Join our mailing list to access a free 5-minute video introducing an evidence-based tool designed to help organisations manage difficult conversations when microaggressions occur.

This resource is particularly valuable for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone involved in diversity and inclusion at work, DEI training, or cpd-accredited courses.

👉 Click here to gain access: https://www.strawberrywordscourses.co.uk/pl/2147603812

Talking about racism can seem difficult and uncomfortable. This CPD accredited course provides a foundational education on racism to help to increase racial literacy which includes building confidence to speak about and deal with issues concerning race. It provides a language through which meaningful conversation can take place (particularly in the workplace).

Time to Talk about Race Online Course

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