Impact of Intersectionality on the Workplace
Intersectionality is a concept that has become increasingly discussed in recent years as conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion in the workplace have come to the forefront.
In this article, we will explore what intersectionality is and it’s connection to the workplace. We will examine the ways in which intersecting identities can affect an individual’s professional development and opportunities, and we will discuss steps that can be taken to promote inclusivity and equality in the office.
By understanding intersectionality and its role in shaping the experiences of individuals in the workplace, we can work towards creating more equitable and inclusive environments for all.
First, What Is Intersectionality?
What “Group” of People Does Intersectionality Apply To
People Are Multidimensional and Can Feel the Effects of More Than One Discrimination at a Time
Individuals are multidimensional and can feel the effects of more than one discrimination at a time because they have multiple social identities and can belong to multiple marginalized or disadvantaged groups.
For example, a woman of color may face discrimination based on both their gender and race, creating a unique experience of discrimination that is different from that faced by a white man or woman. Similarly, an individual who is LGBTQ+ may face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity while also facing discrimination based on other aspects of their identity, such as their race or class.
Intersectionality recognizes that systems of oppression and privilege do not operate in isolation but rather intersect and do so in complex ways that create differing experiences of discrimination and advantage.
By acknowledging and educating on the intersections of identity and oppression, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all individuals, regardless of their social identities.
Is Intersectionality Truly Relevant in the Workplace?
The Need for More Nuanced, Inclusive Solutions in the Workplace
There is a need for more nuanced, inclusive solutions in the workplace because one-size-fits-all approaches do not adequately address the complex and intersectional nature of discrimination and privilege.
Intersectionality is the idea that different aspects of identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and class, intersect and create differing experiences of discrimination and privilege. This means that the challenges and experiences of marginalized or disadvantaged groups cannot be fully understood or addressed through a single solution or approach.
For example, an organization that wants to promote diversity and inclusion may implement a program to recruit and retain more women, but this may not adequately address the unique challenges and experiences of women of color, who may face discrimination based on both their gender and their race. A more nuanced, inclusive solution would consider the intersecting identities and experiences of all employees and work towards creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive for all.
How Should a Corporate Entity Approach the Topic of Intersectionality?
Educate Themselves
It is important for corporate entities to educate themselves about intersectionality and how it impacts the experiences and opportunities of their employees. This may involve participating in training or workshops, and seeking out guidance from experts or employees with relevant expertise.
Engage Employees
Involving employees in the process of understanding and addressing intersectionality is crucial. This may involve soliciting input and feedback from employees about their experiences and concerns, and creating opportunities for dialogue and discussion about these issues.
Review Policies and Practices
Corporate entities should review their policies and practices to ensure that they are inclusive and equitable for all employees, regardless of their social identities. This may involve examining hiring and promotion practices, workplace culture, employee development opportunities, and other areas.
Implement Inclusive Solutions
Once the needs and concerns of employees have been identified, corporate entities should work towards implementing inclusive solutions that address these issues. This may involve implementing diversity and inclusion training, creating employee resource groups, and taking other steps to promote inclusivity and equality in the workplace.
Final Words
In summary, intersectionality is a concept that helps us understand how different aspects of identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and class, intersect to shape experiences and opportunities in the workplace and beyond. By acknowledging and addressing the intersections of identity and oppression, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all employees.
At Strasity, we believe the role of the organization is to educate their leaders to enable a workplace that is empathetic and is a supportive environment for every person involved. If your goal as an organization is to have an equitable workforce and an inclusive culture, the ideal would be to implement systems to support that.
Each individual within the workforce should understand or try to understand their own intersectionality and find solutions to support themselves, whether those solutions are inside or outside of the workforce. It’s important for individuals to recognize that when you decide to work for a company, you are also deciding to adhere to their values as part of your employment. For this reason, we encourage individuals to do their due diligence before accepting a job with any organization.
Today, many organizations are taking steps to educate themselves about intersectionality and how it impacts their employees. We’re seeing more and more companies engage employees in discussions about these issues, reviewing their policies and practices to ensure inclusivity and equity, and implementing inclusive solutions to address any identified challenges. We believe these efforts create more inclusive and supportive environments that foster professional development and success for all employees.
