Arete Volume One Fall 2022

Αρετή (Arete) Journal of Excellence in Global Leadership | Vol. 1 No. 1 | 2022

Microaggressions in the Workplace: If They’re so Small , What’s the Big Problem?

Holly J. McCann Master of Leadership Development, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute, IN, United States

Abstract

Background: Loss of workplace productivity is very expensive to organizations. Much of this lost productivity is due to employee turnover. Often, this employee turnover is the result of regular harassment and discrimination in the workplace which creates a negative and even toxic work environment. This can manifest as overt forms of racism, sexism, transphobia, etc. However, much of this type of prejudice is much more subtle and known as a “microaggression”. A microaggression is a brief indignity, such as a comment, that references something about the other person regarding their gender, race, religion, or disability. These slights can be either intentional or unintentional. Quite often it is the latter. Sometimes it can even be intended as a compliment . Objectives: This critical essay analyzes how non-dominant groups experience microaggressions as well as ways to eliminate these from interpersonal communications in the workplace. Approach: In addition, an easy-to-remember mnemonic is offered as a way for everyone to become cognizant of better communication. Conclusions: By embracing a commitment to eliminate microaggressions in the workplace, organizations can become inclusive environments where all employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to their team and their vocation. This feeling of true belonging can lead to higher productivity, lower turnover, and a better bottom line for the organization.

Keywords: microaggression; implicit bias; discrimination; diversity; equity; inclusion; training; psychological safety; DEI

Paper type: Critical Essay & Perspective

Citation: McCann, H. (2022). Microaggressions in the Workplace: If They’re so Small, What’s the Big Problem? Αρετή (Arete) Journal of Excellence in Global Leadership , Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 62-72.

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