Hi there! It has been some time since we last dived into the depths of my research and field. I must admit that I am feeling quite nervous about this particular blog post, as I am more accustomed to writing in an academic style, so breaking down academic terms rather than using them in their natural habitat is pretty intimidating for me. Nonetheless, let’s explore my list of eight words related to workplace diversity and inclusion and the psychological elements that are commonly at play. The terms “diversity” and “inclusion” are often considered twins, but, in reality, they are more like two sides of the same coin. Still unclear? Don’t sweat it! I am here to guide you through this maze. Whenever in doubt, just remember Verna Myers’ insightful breakdown, “Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance.” So, are you ready to dance? Let’s jump right in!

Workplace diversity refers to who is represented in the workforce and encompasses various dimensions. Whether apparent or not, diversity is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about recognising and valuing the unique perspectives that everyone brings to the table.

Workplace inclusion is about the overall experience that employees have at work. It’s about how much organisations actively create a work environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Essentially, it’s about ensuring that every employee feels involved and that their voices and opinions matter and will be considered. 

Social identity theory explains that our self-concept and self-esteem are formed by the groups we are part of. We tend to favour our own group (in-group) because of shared traits while viewing other groups (out-group) negatively because of differences. This theory explains why we sometimes prefer those like us and discriminate against those who are different.

Intersectionality is a term that helps us to understand how different aspects of a person’s identity can affect their life experiences. Imagine you’re looking at a picture, but you’re only looking at one colour. You’re missing out on the full picture, right? That’s what happens when we only consider one aspect of someone’s identity, such as race or gender. Intersectionality tells us that these aspects don’t exist in isolation; they overlap and interact. For example, a woman who is also black may face unique challenges different from those faced by a black man or white woman. This is because she belongs to two social groups that are often disadvantaged. So, intersectionality helps us see the complete picture and understand the complex ways in which different identities interact.

Identity work is all about the continuous journey of understanding and managing the things that shape our self-identity and self-esteem. It’s a dynamic dance between us, our social surroundings, and our efforts to strike a balance between them. In essence, identity work is a mental negotiation that fuels the pursuit of creating and upholding a consistent and meaningful sense of who we are.

Microaggressions are subtle, daily interactions that can cause people to feel overlooked, underestimated, or disrespected. Often, these microaggressions are related to race or gender. They’re not always verbal – they can be a dismissive glance, a gesture, or a specific tone of voice. These small actions can send negative messages to the target, contributing to their feeling of being marginalised. 

Hair bias is a harmful stereotype of textured/Afrocentric hair. This means that people often unconsciously judge black women and girls negatively because of their natural hair or hairstyles. This often starts when black girls are very young and can negatively affect their self-esteem and experiences in school and work. 

Lastly, regarding psychological burnout, stress levels are shaped by how we perceive and evaluate our surroundings. Imagine you have a physical trait that constantly worries you because it is seen as undesirable and unprofessional at work and in society. This worry is a stressor, and if you’re spending a lot of time trying to change it to fit into societal standards of attractiveness and professionalism, it can lead to psychological exhaustion. Why? Because this stressor feels unchangeable and hopeless. Over time, this can result in burnout. So, it’s not just about the actual trait but the psychological strain and burnout that comes from trying to conform to societal norms.

And there you have it! We’ve twirled through the terms and danced through the jargon. I hope this glossary was illuminating and that I successfully demystified any confusion you might have had about some of the words. Until next time. 🙂