Confronting Racism at Work: A Reading List
Companies must confront racism at a systemic level — addressing everything from the structural and social mechanics of their own organizations to the role they play in the economy at large. We know that diversity programs have historically failed, but there are proven ways to improve hiring programs, interrupt bias at the team level, interrogate supposedly “color-blind” analytics, and support employees of color — especially Black employees.
There’s much work to do on a personal level, too. White leaders and employees must learn to really listen to their colleagues, to recognize their own biases, histories, and everyday actions in a new light. They must understand that being vocal about race, diversity, and inclusion is their own responsibility — not the job of their Black or brown colleagues.
We hope that this collection of articles provides a starting place for companies and business leaders to take on this work together.
Is Your Company Actually Fighting Racism, or Just Talking About It?
Leaders must start by reckoning with their Black employees’ experiences at work. (June 2020)
How Organizations Can Support the Mental Health of Black Employees
Few leaders have the skills and training to confront the trauma caused by racism. (June 2020)
U.S. Businesses Must Take Meaningful Action Against Racism
Here’s what leaders can do today. (June 2020)
How U.S. Companies Can Support Employees of Color Through the Pandemic
Though we say we’re all in this together, we’re not all in the same boat. (May 2020)
Toward a Racially Just Workplace
Diversity efforts are failing Black employees. Here’s a better approach. (November 2019)
“Dear White Boss…”
Unsaid words from a Black manager. (November 2002)
Hiring Discrimination Against Black Americans Hasn’t Declined in 25 Years
A meta-analysis of job callback rates. (October 2017)
Why Aren’t Black Employees Getting More White-Collar Jobs?
A look at U.S. cities shows progress has been slow and uneven. (February 2018)
People Suffer at Work When They Can’t Discuss the Racial Bias They Face Outside of It
They become more disengaged and more likely to leave. (July 2017)
Even at “Inclusive” Companies, Women of Color Don’t Feel Supported
This can prevent employees from connecting across ethnic and racial differences. (August 2019)
Getting Over Your Fear of Talking About Diversity
Advice for leaders who are afraid of saying the wrong thing. (November 2019)
How the Best Bosses Interrupt Bias on Their Teams
Strategies to foster equity and inclusion. (November 2019)
How to Reduce Personal Bias When Hiring
Six steps you can implement. (June 2019)
Why Diversity Programs Fail
And what works better for organizations. (July 2016)
“Numbers Only Take Us So Far”
Facebook’s global director of diversity explains why stats alone won’t solve the problem of organizational bias. (November 2017)
This content was originally published here.