Creating Psychological Safety for Black Women in the Workplace: Key Takeaways
Psychological safety is vital for fostering inclusive and productive work environments. However, Black women often face unique challenges in achieving psychological safety due to historical and sociocultural contexts. In this blog post, JFM will summarize an article that explores the importance of creating psychological safety for Black women at work and highlight key takeaways from the research. The collective shares these takeaways with heavy hearts while reflecting on the deep connection between the ideas shared in this article with the experience of Dr. Morgan Medlock and other BIPOC members of the BHA’s orbit.
The article titled "Creating Psychological Safety for Black Women at Your Company" addresses the experiences of Black women in the workplace, drawing on research and personal narratives. The author shares the story of Minda Harts, who faced a situation where her manager dismissed false accusations against her by a white male colleague, causing her to lose trust and experience emotional distress.
Research by Amy C. Edmondson and Henrik Bresman is referenced, highlighting the significance of psychological safety for diverse teams to excel. The article emphasizes that Black women require differentiated solutions to feel psychologically safe at both interpersonal and organizational levels in the workplace.
The author stresses the importance of understanding the historical and social context that contributes to the apprehension felt by Black individuals, particularly Black women, about potential alienation or devaluation in the workplace. Statistics and reports are mentioned, indicating that Black women often do not feel emotionally safe, experience microaggressions, and lack strong allies at work.
Key Takeaways:
Psychological safety is crucial for all employees, but Black women face unique challenges due to historical and sociocultural contexts.
Differentiated solutions are required to address the psychological safety needs of Black women at both interpersonal and organizational levels.
Black women often experience emotional and mental distress in the workplace, leading to feelings of being unseen, betrayed, and lacking trust.
Studies highlight the disconnect between self-proclaimed allyship and the experiences of Black women, emphasizing the need for genuine support and intervention.
Organizations can enhance psychological safety for Black women by implementing clear systems, accountability, and consistent standards across all managers.
Trauma-informed workplaces that address racial trauma are essential, and HR policies should outline steps to protect marginalized employees' safety and right to thrive.
Individuals can contribute to psychological safety by recognizing and addressing microaggressions, amplifying the contributions of Black women, and mitigating biases in interview processes.
Building psychological safety for all employees through an intersectional lens benefits both individuals and organizations, fostering creativity, commitment, and collaboration.
Creating psychological safety for Black women in the workplace is crucial for fostering an inclusive and productive environment. The article emphasizes the need for differentiated solutions, understanding historical context, and implementing clear systems to support the emotional well-being and success of Black women. By taking proactive measures at both organizational and individual levels, we can work towards a more equitable and psychologically safe workplace for everyone.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).