Even in 2024, workplace microaggressions such as “Is that your real hair?” or “You’re so articulate” persist nationwide. Despite their subtle nature, these behaviors do not go unnoticed, leaving a lasting impact on the workplace atmosphere, morale and creating challenges for those targeted. From making assumptions about one’s abilities based on background to perpetuating stereotypes and using exclusionary language, managing workplace microaggressions requires a thoughtful approach. The first vital step is acknowledging that even well-meant words can cause harm. Building an understanding that unintended comments often reinforce unfair systems allows us to then dismantle that damage. Additionally, self-awareness of our own possible microaggressions, though uncomfortable, can prevent workplace exclusion. According to the 2023 McKinsey & Company report on Women in the Workplace , 78 percent of women resort to self-shielding at work in response to these microaggressions, modifying their...

Tesla is once again under fire for alleged racial harassment. This time, a Black gay ex-employee claims she was assaulted and verbally abused — complete with racial slurs — by a co-worker. Business Insider is reporting that Kaylen Barker — who filed her lawsuit against the company yesterday — is going after both the Elon Musk-helmed automaker and its staffing company, Staffmark. According to her suit, Tesla failed to address the racist abuse she endured every day from her fellow employees, especially after she got a promotion. She also alleges that at one point, a co-worker — whom she only identified as “Joanne” in the suit — would mutter the N-word under her breath every time Barker walked by. And when Barker brought the alleged abuse to the attention of the Human Resources department, nothing was done about it. “I was violated physically, mentally, and emotionally because I am an African American lesbian,” Barker said in a statement provided, through her attorney, to the outlet....

Conversations breed trust, teamwork, and productivity at work. The problem is, when you’re a leader, you’re constantly putting out fires and juggling back-to-back meetings. Next thing you know, you’re sitting across from a team member and struggling to establish a genuine connection. The truth of the matter is, if you’re in charge of other people, leadership is about having a relationship with your employees. It’s not about having the time, it’s about taking time to have conversations with people who matter most. Build Trust Before You Need It Regardless of the type of business, things will happen outside of your control. During times of uncertainty, conflict, or pressure to meet deadlines, employee trust is critical for getting the work done. So leaders must set daily intentions for building trust before they need it most. A consistent, two-way conversation that encourages dialogue — not a monologue — boosts productivity. If you’re only having conversations with employees to...

Women, now more than ever, are speaking up about their experiences with workplace sexual harassment and misconduct. From Anita Hill speaking to a crowd of Wellesley College about her trauma to employees at big tech firms launching full-blown protests , women and their allies are taking more control over toxic workplace cultures. TIME’S UP Legal fund has been integral in the rise of the #MeToo movement and now its co-founders are tackling workplace culture by launching an anti-harassment training firm, according to Fortune. Roberta Kaplan and Tina Tchen have launched HABIT, which stands for harassment, acceptance, bias and inclusion training, to provide company executives with tools, information and classes to end harassment within the workplace. “It was pretty clear that there wasn’t enough available and willing legal support to represent women who either had claims or to defend them against claims, relating to issues of sexual assault or harassment at work,” Kaplan said to Fortune....