Racism Must Be Addressed In N.B. Workplaces According To Survey
FREDERICTON – A province-wide survey shows that while racism is beginning to become a more open topic of discussion in the workplace, others feel unsafe discussing race at work.
The survey, conducted by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, included responses that indicated race in the workplace was “not safe” to discuss and “denied on the surface.”
“We see that there’s still a culture of denying racism on the surface and if we don’t actually have these conversations and interrogate the way in which organizations are structured, then we will not truly be on the path to inclusion,” said Husomi Raymond, Anti-racism Project and Policy Development Coordinator for the New Brunswick Multicultural Council.
Respondents indicated they find it difficult raising the topic of racism in their workplace due to concerns of being perceived negatively, white colleagues becoming defensive, and fear of reprisals.
“Employers need to be proactive in ensuring that their organizations have a positive workplace culture where people can engage in dialogue around race and racism, to ensure that everyone feels included and that they are valued,” said Raymond.
Raymond offered some suggestions organizations can take to begin to recognize their complicity in racism. He suggests analyzing who is being included and excluded from an organization, assessing policies to evaluate whether they disproportionally affect people of certain backgrounds, and examining the workplace culture and asking whether there are policies and procedures in place to report racist incidents.
Beyond changing policies and procedures, racism continues to manifest in the workplace through wage gaps and discriminatory hiring practices. Research by the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Stats Canada shows racialized Canadians earn an average of 81 cents to the dollar compared to other Canadians. Furthermore, they report employers are 40 percent more likely to interview a job applicant with an English-sounding name despite identical qualifications.
While the survey indicated there is a large need to advance conversations about race in the workplace, other respondents found that some workplaces have adopted a culture where racism is openly discussed. Some managers stated they were part of an inclusive workplace or making active efforts to be inclusive, while some white respondents reflected on their own role in combatting racism.
“That’s a positive sign that over the past year with the increased conversation around racism in New Brunswick that some organizations are taking the initiative to address the problem,” said Raymond.
Other sections of the survey conducted by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council showed that 95 percent of respondents believe there is racism within New Brunswick, with 83.6 percent reporting having witnessed racism firsthand.
84 percent indicated they see unconscious racism as prevalent in New Brunswick, with 75 percent identifying intentional racism.
“We all have a role to play in addressing racism on a personal level and from an organization level,” said Raymond. “It will take collaboration from the public and private sector to create this path to inclusion where all residents of New Brunswick feel included and their skills are valued.”
Liam Floyd is a reporter for Huddle. Send him story suggestions: [email protected].