70% Americans say racial injustice should be discussed at work

A new report reveals that nearly seven in 10 Americans believe racial injustice is an issue that should be discussed at work. 

The diversity, equity and inclusion study carried out by Paradigm found that there has been a marked increase in people’s awareness of racial injustice over the past year, particularly after the tragic death of George Floyd. Working adults of all generations want to talk about racial injustice at work. In fact, around 68% of Americans believe people should be able to discuss racial justice issues at work. The majority of staff also want to see organisations take action on racial injustice.

Additionally, workers want their employers to create an inclusive workplace, confirmed the report. The majority of Americans – 66% – think businesses should take action on racial injustice issues. Many also said they would hold their company accountable if it didn’t take a stance. Additionally, 54% would consider leaving their organisation if it didn’t speak out directly against racial injustice. This belief was particularly high amongst those ages 18-44 (63%), compared to those 45 and older (40%).

RACIAL INJUSTICE GENERATIONAL PERCEPTIONS 

The majority of Americans – 69% – believe that racial injustice is a problem in the US; with 60% saying that they now think racial injustice is a bigger problem than they thought it was before the events of the past 12 months. 

While the majority of people shared this perspective across all demographic groups, perspectives on racial injustice varied by age and race/ethnicity, with younger generations and people of colour being more likely to think racial injustice is a problem in the US; than older generations and White Americans. The report also found that:

• 76% of people between the ages of 18-44 are more likely than 62% of those aged 55+ to believe racial injustice is a problem in the US.
• People of colour (75%) are more likely than White Americans (65%) to think racial injustice is a problem in the US.
• Increasing awareness of racial injustice may also be motivating people to take action. In fact, 61% said they want to be an ally to marginalised groups; with people of colour (68%) more likely to express a desire to be allies compared to White Americans (56%). 

ROADBLOCKS TO EQUALITY

The study also revealed that people want diverse and inclusive workplaces, but roadblocks remain.  Most employed Americans want their companies to invest in creating/supporting an inclusive work environment; with 72% saying they want their employer to invest in this area. While there was no significant difference in opinion among racial/ethnic groups, there were significant differences among age groups. For example, 84% of employees between the ages 35-44 want this, compared to 69% of employees aged 45 and older.

While people are clearly looking for inclusive work environments, many are not finding them, noted the report. Additionally, nearly half of survey respondents (49%), said they witnessed or experienced racial bias/discrimination at work in the past 12 months. 

TIME TO DISCUSS RACE AT WORK

Commenting on the study, Dr Evelyn Carter, Managing Director at Paradigm, stated: “Americans have collectively experienced a crash course in systemic racism, as they’ve watched the horrific murders of unarmed Black people; an increase in hate crimes targeting the Asian community; and a pandemic that disproportionately impacted people of colour. While the new data in our report show some interesting differences in beliefs between age and racial/ethnic groups, the overarching message is clear. Americans know that racial injustice is a problem; they want to talk about it; and they’re looking to their employers to help them continue learning.” 

The Harris Poll conducted the survey on behalf of Paradigm among 2,035 US adults over the age of 18. It explores how the racial justice movement is reshaping corporate America and what that means for businesses. Click here to access the report Paradigm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update: How the Racial Justice Movement is Reshaping Corporate America. According to another recent survey, 2/3 of professionals far talking about race in the workplace. Click here to read more.

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