The Value Women of Color Bring to the Workplace May 22, 2013Expert BlogsOff

Women of color have made great strides in gaining access, opportunities and positions during the last two decades. We continue to bring tremendous value to the workplace and our contributions are vital to the success of many organizations and companies. Sometimes life can become so hectic, we get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibility, personal commitments and workplace stress and lose sight of the value we contribute. Women of color in particular can face additional challenges at work yet despite the challenges they continue to strive for excellence and opportunities. Women of color offer a unique richness and dimension to the workforce, organizational environment and teams.

I think it is important to highlight the contributions women of color make and to share their perspectives on the value they bring. In an informal survey of 20 women of color the results revealed a variety of perspectives on the value and contributions women of color offer to the professional world.

60% reported women of color bring a diversity of thought to the organization and 26% reported women of color bring an enlightened perspective to teams.

When asked what they appreciated about their culture and ethnicity here is what was said:

• I appreciate the language, values, warmth, expressiveness and passion of my culture. I value that we are a people of great strength and great things have been accomplished because of our race. I most appreciate the authenticity of my culture and ethnicity. The ability to overcome obstacles and challenges and survive in a sometimes hostile world is a tremendous strength of my culture.

When asked what you want organizational leaders to know about the value and contribution of people of your race and ethnicity the following responses were given:

31% said “we are capable of leading and managing teams and departments.

31% said “we add richness and diversity to teams and the organizational environment.”

15% said “we want to be treated as equals.”

When asked what is the best way for an organization or company to demonstrate they value diversity.

36% said “developing and maintaining a diverse team of leaders or management is critical.”

26% said “Create opportunities for employees to learn about each other’s differences and cultures.

26% said “Have a clear vision and expectation for inclusivity.

When asked what specifically did past or present employers do to demonstrate they appreciated the value you bring to an organization as a woman of color? Women of color responded:

• My leaders trusted me to lead and let me.

• My leaders provided for me a “seat at the table” where my opinions and expertise were truly valued.

• My leaders asked me to represent the company at conferences and community task forces and events, and frequently called upon my second language knowledge.

• My leaders expected excellence from me and gave me opportunities to showcase my talents.

• My leaders implemented a diverse task force that created events and provided information about the women of color in the organization.

• My company had a clear vision and goals for inclusivity.

• My company ensures organizational diversity.

When asked which word(s) best describes the value that women of color bring to the workplace?

31% said commitment.

15% said dimension.

15% said authenticity.

When asked what they loved about being a woman of color women said:

• That there is no one else like me and that I bring something to the table that one else can.

• The diversity I have to offer because of the many dimensions.

• My wide angle perspective on the world Being able to be hang with the best of them in any situation.

• Who I am – I don’t know any other way than to love who I am – I can’t change my color or who I am.

When asked what one factor most determines that an organization values diversity?

26% said commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

15% said Multi-levels of representation of diverse employees.

15% said respect.

15% said appreciation of differences.

When asked If and when you have worked for an organization that values, respects and fosters inclusion, what word or phrase best describes how it makes you feel?

26% said respected.

21% said valued.

21% said empowered.

15% inspired.

Conclusion

My hope in sharing this information is that women of color will continue to embrace their ethnicity and race with pride and appreciation while realizing and capitalizing on the value they bring to the workforce. Additionally, I wanted to let employers hear a perspective they may not always receive due to women of color fearing being perceived as angry or pulling the race card. For the organizational leaders reading this blog article I hope you will see the value, contribution and dedication women of color bring to your organization. By creating and sustaining a clear vision and plan for inclusivity within your organization you will attract and retain fabulous and skilled women of color to help you exceed your organizational goals and objectives. Women of color need your support, respect and culturally competent leadership to feel accepted, respected and empowered to live up to their full potential. Trust them, recognize them and promote them into positions of leadership as they bring diversity of thought and an enlightened perspective to the team. You must be committed to diversity and inclusivity by ensuring that diversity is consistently represented in all levels of your organization. When inclusive environments are readily available women of color will often excel personally and professionally. They will remain dedicated and committed to your vision and exceed professional expectations. Diversity is essential in today’s workplace however inclusivity is a priceless asset that allows women of color to flourish, excel and demonstrate their intelligence and professional skill.

By Catrice Jackson

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