12 Articles HR and Talent Teams Should Be Reading Right Now
The death of yet another unarmed Black man – George Floyd – at the hands of a white police officer has sparked national outrage. As protests continue nationwide, millions of Americans are affirming that Black lives matter and are demanding change. Companies are also adding their voice to the conversation by releasing public statements that they stand with the Black community and are committed to contributing to meaningful change.
As this response is happening in and out of the workplace, it’s more important than ever for organizations and individuals to be cognizant of how they can push for the change they wish to see. From links on where to donate or protest to comprehensive guides on how to be a better ally, there are countless resources that are helping individuals educate themselves on the issues and take concrete actions. To add to this growing list of resources, we wanted to compile a list of relevant, timely articles that specifically apply to the workplace.
For HR and recruiting teams – especially for the folks on those teams who are white or non-Black POC – we’ve compiled a list of articles to help you better support your Black colleagues, employees, and prospective candidates. From first-person reflections from Black professionals to actionable steps on how to improve the workplace, read these articles, internalize their main ideas, share them in company channels, and use them to help inform some of your next steps forward.
Maintaining Professionalism in the Age of Black Death Is...A Lot
“I don’t know who decided that being professional was loosely defined as being divorced of total humanity, but whoever did they’ve aided, unintentionally maybe, in a unique form of suffocation.
If I am to perform my duties for 40 hours a week, it’s asinine to assume that the life I live outside of those 40 hours won’t rear its head... This is magnified for young black professionals who are recruited for their culture, but told, in so many words, that their blackness and the struggles that come with it are to be left at the door.”
Published on Medium, written by Shenequa Golding
U.S. Businesses Must Take Meaningful Action Against Racism
“While conventional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives focus on employee engagement and belonging, today’s challenges reach far beyond marginalization in the workplace.”
Published by the Harvard Business Review, written by Laura Morgan Roberts and Ella F. Washington
It’s Monday Morning...Now What?
“Here is how (some) of your Black peers spent the weekend.
They reflected on the (constant) murder of unarmed Black people.
They practiced putting on their mask to respond to your emails, texts, notifications.
They rehearsed different ways to encourage you to do the work yourself.
They protested and demonstrated across the nation.”
Published on LinkedIn, written by Dolapo M.
Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re OK – Chances Are, They’re Not
“Every day, we have woken up and answered the emails and gotten on the Zoom calls. We’ve showed up with a smile, and put the pain and fear behind us. We’ve swallowed the rage while responding to our bosses, and offered the assistance and worked twice as hard for half as much — because that’s all we know how to do.
But here’s a newsflash for all the white people unaware of this fact: your Black colleagues may seem okay right now, but chances are they’re not.”
Published by Refinery29, written by Danielle Cadet
It Shouldn’t Be My Job To Tell Managers to Talk About George Floyd
“Until inclusive leadership is practiced more widely, I and many others advocating for diversity and inclusion at work will continue to remind anyone who will listen that these conversations are important.
So, let’s start today, perhaps by talking about the horrendous way George Floyd lost his life this week. If you’re seeking to practice inclusive leadership, if you lead a team or an organization, make space, invite the discomfort. Your teammates and your society will thank you later.”
Published on Medium, written by Natalia Eileen Villarmán
Employee Resource Groups Help Strengthen Connection in Times of Uncertainty
“At LinkedIn, our Black Inclusion Group (BIG) leaders recently hosted a virtual mental health check-in with Dr. Michael McRae, assistant commissioner of the Bureau of Health Promotion for Justice-Impacted Populations at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During this one-hour, virtual discussion, Dr. McRae provided our employees with a view of COVID-19’s impact on black and Latinx communities, and methods for effectively navigating this moment in time.”
Published by Fast Company, written by Rosanna Durruthy
With Protests, Silence is ‘Not an Option’ for Corporate America
“If they’re going to speak out on this, I think very soon the lens is going to come back on them,” said Americus Reed, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. “How many diverse members are on your management team? What’s your board look like? … Tech companies and their lack of diversity is going to be dramatically exposed.”
Published by the Washington Post, written by Jena McGregor
Check in on your Black Employees, Now
“It is crucial for employers to check in with their employees and acknowledge the news events of the past few weeks. They should encourage self-care, whatever that may mean to the individuals, and make clear there will be no penalties for those who may need to take a mental health day or temporarily take on a lighter workload.”
Published by the New York Times, written by Tonya Russell
Dear White People: Here are 10 Actions You Can Take To Promote Racial Justice In The Workplace
“While this time of unrest will certainly pass, racial injustices will remain and therefore the question becomes – what will you do to improve your environment?”
Published by Forbes, written by Dana Brownlee
Organizations Must Step Up for Their Black Colleagues, Now More Than Ever
“Post about these events in company channels. Make it clear why this is a crucial conversation to have. Do not post in Black/race-focused groups only. This is relevant for everyone. Talk about systemic racism, sharing links to Black-driven research, making it clear this is a structural issue we all must address.”
Published by Forbes, written by Sheree Atcheson
On Life, Death, This Work, and What’s Next (Podcast)
“You should not be the face of your diversity, equity and inclusion work. You shouldn’t. I know, it’s a wildly unpopular position, but you shouldn’t. Think about ways you can empower the folks that don’t look like you to drive change. They know better than you what it means to be equitable and inclusive.”
Produced by Living Corporate, featuring Zachary Nunn
“It is our responsibility to engage thoughtfully with our diverse community about this violence against Black lives — and the white supremacist systems that allow it to occur. But it is also our responsibility to do that without re-burdening or re-traumatizing the Black communities we work with, and to prioritize their mental health. This is a list of resources that prioritize (1) healing and encouragement for our Black communities and users, and (2) direction for allies looking to act, and to better understand their role in this moment.”
Compiled and published by Crescendo
Have a suggestion for an article we should add? Email kate@ripplematch.com
