Editorial: Having safe and healthy conversations on racism, anti-racism in the workplace

It’s normal to feel discomfort as you reflect on your own experiences with racial inequality and deepen your understanding of racism.

Even among friends, these conversations can be particularly difficult and anxiety-provoking. Considering all the recent events we have witnessed in our society, we walk into the workplace still carrying the emotions associated with these tragedies. Our UBC community does not exist within a vacuum. What is happening has a direct impact on all of us albeit to varying degrees. Often times avoidance of the issue can stem from a fear of misspeaking, or unintentionally doing harm especially in our conversations and discussions. Opportunities for miscommunication, micro/macro-aggressions, and discrimination are unnecessarily created when we fail to communicate about real life issues.

Here are 3 tips to help get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations:

1. Create a safe space:

It is imperative to create a safe space to talk about issues of race, gender and equity. Though many people recognize that this is a turning point and an opportunity for growth, not everyone feels that way. Our assumptions, biases and frustration can interfere in how we create a safe space to have difficult conversations whether it’s in our personal life or in the workplace. Having a clear purpose of the conversation can help to alleviate this and keep an open mind.

2. Acknowledge You Don’t Have All the Answers

Understanding systems of oppression can feel overwhelming, however, it is critical to do your own work to understand how privilege shapes the world. In some instances, you may feel that you are the sole authority on things that affect BIPOC people, or people look to you to have the knowledge and experiences especially if you are a minority in your department. The reality is, no one is a sole expert when these conversations arise. We are each,  experts in our own lived experiences. During difficult conversations permit space for yourself and others to express their thoughts, feelings, share experiences and ask questions.

3. Practice inclusive listening:

Very often, as someone speaks, we immediately start thinking about how we are going to respond and, as a result, miss a lot of important details of what is being shared. It is important to be present at the moment and listen with the intent to understand and not to reply. It can be helpful to give yourself a moment to compose before engaging in difficult conversations.

In the spirit of connecting socially, in this issue of Healthy UBC you can access articles and resources on fostering your health and wellbeing by finding ways to interact with others, even when physically distancing.

Stay safe and well,

Truelove