Paul Sesay, CEO and Founder of Inclusive Companies: “It’s a terribly sad day when my young daughter can’t feel safe going to and from work on her own. We have witnessed appalling violence and abuse; the racism is also pouring out on social media. This is wrong and needs to be stopped. Employers must take the lead; show care and empathy and ensure their workplaces remain the safe places they have worked so hard to create.”
Work as a Safe Place
With such tension and emotions running high, employers may be wondering how best to help their employees. Paul Sesay advises six steps that they can take:
Keep Lines of Communication Open
Reach out to your employees, offer a listening ear and ask how they are doing. Provide safe spaces for employees to express their feelings and concerns.
Show Empathy and Understanding
Recognise racial unrest can significantly impact mental and emotional wellbeing. Understand that employees might be distracted, anxious or distressed.
Give Practical Support
Should any employees feel unsafe coming into work, offer flexible work arrangements. Also, ensure employees have access to mental health resources such as counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
Promote Training and Allyship
Reaffirm your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Provide training on racial sensitivity and allyship to foster a more inclusive and supportive work culture. Review workplace policies to ensure they are equitable and do not inadvertently contribute to systemic racism.
Lead by Example
Leaders should be visible in their support for racial justice; use your reach to speak out and show support.
Encourage Community Engagement and Support
Show solidarity by supporting affected communities through whatever means will have most impact. Accommodate employees who need time to process or participate in community actions and allow time off for them to support their communities.
“It is important to acknowledge that many people who are at these riots, causing harm, will be in work the next day,” says Paul. “This is why creating safe spaces, calling out and immediately acting – and being seen to act – on any unacceptable behaviour is of paramount importance in regaining trust, support and unity.
“We really need allies to speak up and speak out loud,” he continues. “With so many people living in fear we need employers and employees to stand alongside each other and show those who want to spread division and hatred that they are wrong and their words and actions have no place in our workplaces or wider society.”
