Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional actions or comments that communicate derogatory or negative messages to members of marginalized groups. They can be expressed in a variety of ways, including through verbal, non-verbal, or environmental cues, and can create a hostile work environment that adversely affects the well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity of those who experience them.
Microaggressions are harmful because they reinforce stereotypes and biases, communicate messages of inferiority or exclusion, and contribute to the perpetuation of discrimination and inequality. They can also lead to feelings of frustration, anger, or self-doubt among those who experience them and can have long-lasting impacts on their mental health and career trajectories.
These examples will help you understand how to identify and respond to microaggressions at work:
Scenario 1: During a team meeting, one of your colleagues, a person of color, proposes an idea. Another colleague interrupts and dismisses the idea, stating, "That won't work, and it's not worth discussing." This behavior is a micro-aggression called "racial invalidation," which denies or negates a person's lived experiences based on their race.
Response: As an ally, you can address the situation by acknowledging your colleague's idea and asking for more clarification. You can also call out the behavior and explain why it's unacceptable. For example, "I think it’s essential to consider everyone's ideas, and interrupting and dismissing someone's input can create an unwelcoming environment."
Scenario 2: Your colleague, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, shares their pronouns during a virtual meeting. Another colleague replies, "Why do we need to do this? Can't we just use the names?" This behavior is a micro-aggression called "cisgenderism," which assumes that everyone's gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Response: As a responsible citizen, you can address the situation by explaining the importance of respecting everyone's gender identity and using their correct pronouns. For example, "Using correct pronouns is essential to respect everyone's gender identity, and it's not about personal preferences. It is also a way to create an inclusive environment."
Scenario 3: During a team-building exercise, your colleague makes a joke about people from a specific ethnic group. This behavior is a microaggression called "racial humor," which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces prejudices.
Response: You can address the situation by explaining how this behavior can be harmful and make people from that ethnic group feel uncomfortable. You can also call out the behavior and encourage your colleague to learn more about the harmful effects of racial humor. For example, "Making jokes about someone's ethnicity can be offensive and hurtful. One should avoid such comments and focus on building an inclusive workplace."
Some examples of microaggressions to be covered here include:
Micro-insults: Comments or actions that demean or undermine a person's identity or experiences. For example, asking a person of color where they are really from, or assuming that a woman is less competent than a man in a leadership position.
Micro-invalidations: Comments or actions that dismiss or ignore a person's experiences or perspectives. For example, telling a person with a disability that they do not look disabled, or ignoring a person's input in a meeting because of their race or gender.
Micro-assaults: Explicit or intentional actions or comments that are derogatory or threatening. For example, using racial slurs or making sexist jokes.
By learning how to identify and respond to microaggressions, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone, and promote greater equity and diversity in our organizations.
Verbal Microaggressions
Verbal microaggressions are subtle and indirect verbal messages that convey negative or demeaning attitudes towards individuals based on their perceived social group membership. They can be categorized as:
1. Backhanded Compliments: Such compliments are disguised as insults or criticism. They convey a message of superiority and can undermine the recipient's achievements or abilities.
For example:
i. "You're so articulate for someone from your background."
ii. "You're pretty smart for a woman."
iii. "You don't look like a scientist."
Backhanded compliments can make the recipient feel like they are being praised for breaking stereotypes, rather than for their skills or talents.
2. Micro-insults: These are subtle insults that are often disguised as jokes or sarcasm. They can be difficult to identify and may leave the recipient feeling confused or upset.
For example:
i. "I don't see color, I treat everyone the same."
ii. "You don't look like you're from around here."
iii. "You're too sensitive, it was just a joke."
Micro-insults can contribute to a hostile work environment and can make the recipient feel isolated and excluded.
3. Micro-invalidations: These are comments that dismiss or invalidate a person's feelings or experiences. They can be dismissive and trivializing.
For example:
i. "That's not racism, it's just a misunderstanding."
ii. "You're overreacting, it wasn't that bad."
iii. "I don't see why you're so upset. I didn't mean it that way."
Micro-invalidations can make the recipient feel like their experiences are not valid or important, and can cause them to doubt their perceptions and reactions.
Relational Microaggressions
These are subtle behaviors or actions that devalue, disrespect, or exclude someone based on their social identity. These microaggressions often occur in interpersonal interactions and can hurt individuals on the receiving end. Some common types of relational microaggressions include:
1. Exclusion microaggressions involve intentionally or unintentionally leaving someone out of social activities or work-related events based on their social identity.
Example: Excluding a person of color from a team-building exercise or social event because of assumptions about their cultural interests or abilities can be a form of exclusion microaggression. It can lead to feelings of ostracism, marginalization, and a sense of not belonging.
2. Ignoring microaggressions occur when someone is not acknowledged, ignored, or dismissed in social or work situations based on their social identity.
Example: Interrupting or talking over a woman in a meeting or ignoring a person with a disability during a team discussion are forms of ignoring microaggressions. It can contribute to feelings of being undervalued, disrespected, and unheard.
3. Isolation microaggressions involve treating someone as an outsider, or making them feel isolated based on their social identity.
Example: Making insensitive jokes or comments about someone's religious beliefs or sexual orientation can be a form of isolation microaggression. It can contribute to feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and a sense of not being accepted.
Environmental Microaggressions
They are the subtle, often unintentional ways in which the physical or environmental conditions of a workplace can exclude or marginalize individuals from specific social groups. Here are some examples of environmental microaggression:
1. Physical/Environmental Barriers: These are the barriers that make it uncomfortable or difficult for members of particular groups to enter or fully participate in the workplace.
For example:
i. Lack of Accessible Facilities: When a workplace does not provide wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, or other modifications for people with disabilities, it can be challenging for such people to maneuver.
ii. Poor Lighting or Acoustics: Those with visual or hearing impairments may find it challenging to operate efficiently in an environment with poor lighting or acoustics.
iii. Inadequate Resources: Employees with caregiving obligations or those who don't speak the majority language may find it more difficult to participate completely in work activities if an organization doesn't offer the required resources, such as daycare or translation services.
Impact: Depending on the person and the situation, physical or environmental obstacles might have different effects. Nonetheless, they may exacerbate sensations of loneliness, annoyance, and exclusion.
Situational Examples
A company holds a team-building event at an amusement park without considering the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.
A conference is held in a poorly lit and noisy venue, making it difficult for attendees with sensory sensitivities to fully participate.
A school only displays artwork and posters featuring white individuals, making students of color feel excluded and invisible.
2. Symbols Promoting Stereotypes: These are visual or symbolic cues that perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce power imbalances in the workplace.
For example:
i. Offensive Artwork or Decor: Workplace decor that includes offensive or culturally insensitive imagery can make individuals from certain groups feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.
ii. Dress Codes Targeting Certain Groups: Dress codes that require certain hairstyles or clothing can disproportionately impact individuals from certain racial or cultural backgrounds.
iii. Gendered Facilities or Policies: Facilities or policies that are separated by gender, such as bathrooms or dress codes, can exclude individuals who don't fit into traditional gender categories.
Impact: Such stereotypes can result in feelings of anger, resentment, and disempowerment, as well as a sense of being undervalued or disrespected.
Situational Examples
A sports team uses a mascot that depicts a stereotypical image of an indigenous person, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and belittling the experiences of indigenous individuals.
A job listing uses gendered language, such as "strong and assertive," that reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and discourages individuals who do not fit these stereotypes from applying.
A restaurant uses imagery associated with the Confederate flag in its decor, creating a hostile environment for customers of African descent and reinforcing racist attitudes.
Strategies for Addressing Microaggressions
Microaggressions can make the workplace poisonous and unwelcoming for marginalized groups, which hurts productivity, morale, and retention rates. It's critical to address microaggressions in the workplace because doing so fosters an environment that values diversity, equity, and respect.
Additionally, it demonstrates that the company respects diversity and is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can work in safety and support. The following are some methods for handling microaggressions:
1. Name the Behaviour: To draw attention to the behavior and classify it as a microaggression can be a potent approach to inform and increase awareness among others.
Example: Saying "That comment was a microaggression" or "What you just said is not appropriate" can help to stop the behavior from continuing.
2. Express How It Makes You Feel: It can be helpful to express how a microaggression makes you feel to the offender so they can see how their words or actions affect you.
Example: Saying "That comment makes me feel uncomfortable" or "When you do that, it makes me feel marginalized" can help to bring awareness to the harm caused by microaggression.
3. Set Boundaries: By establishing clear limits, you can stop microaggressions from happening again.
Example: Saying "I would prefer if you didn't make comments like that around me" or "I need you to stop using that language when you talk to me" can communicate your expectations and boundaries.
Allying With Microaggression Victims
Here are some strategies for allies to support those who experience microaggressions:
i. Listen Actively: Listening to the person's experiences and acknowledging their feelings can help them feel heard and supported. Ask open-ended questions and avoid dismissing their experiences.
ii. Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about microaggressions and their impact. Read articles, attend workshops, and have conversations with people who have experienced microaggressions to learn more.
iii. Speak Up: If you witness a microaggression, speak up and address it. Use the strategies outlined above to name the behavior, express how it makes you feel, and set boundaries. This can help to create a culture of accountability in the workplace and make you an advocate for those being victimized.
Recap
It is essential to recognize the harmful impact of microaggressions and take steps to prevent and respond to them in the workplace. To do so, one must express how they feel about it, provide feedback to the individual engaged in microaggression, and seek support from colleagues or a supervisor.
The organization can prevent it by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, educating people about different cultures, and avoiding assumptions or stereotypes about others.
Addressing microaggressions requires awareness, empathy, and a willingness to take action. By implementing these strategies, one can create an inclusive and respectful workplace for everyone. Remember, small actions can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive workplace.