Identifying Workplace Microaggressions and Ways to Address Them

Microaggressions are actions that specifically impact marginalized groups or individuals. They can be intentional or unintentional forms of discrimination.

When discussing microaggressions, they can be classified into three categories of behaviors:

• Microinsults: These are impolite and insensitive comments that show disrespect towards a person's identity, such as their gender, language, or ethnicity. Microinsults can be both intentional and unintentional.
• Microassaults: Typically deliberate actions intended to harm or injure marginalized individuals. These behaviors can be subtle or overt displays of bias and discrimination.
• Microinvalidations: Conversations or remarks that dismiss the experiences or identities of individuals in marginalized communities. Microinvalidations are frequently encountered in professional environments like workplaces and healthcare facilities.

Microaggressions often focus on various aspects of an individual's identity, including their appearance, ethnicity, gender, and language.

How common are microaggressions? Gallup found that:

32% of Black adults have reported feeling inferior to others, while 25% have faced assumptions about their intelligence. Additionally, a study revealed that Black and Latino Americans encounter a higher frequency of microaggressions compared to White individuals in various forms, including:

• Consistent disrespect
• Receiving subpar service
• Being perceived as intimidating
• Being underestimated in intelligence
• Being viewed as threatening

Furthermore, a 2019 study showed that at least 32% of Asian Americans experienced microaggressions in their interpersonal interactions.

Examples of how these behaviors may manifest in a work environment:

• “You’re so well-spoken.”
• “Can I touch your [hair/turban/hijab/wheelchair/skin]?"
• “You’re Latino. Can you do a presentation on Cinco de Mayo?”
• “But who’s the ‘man?’ in the relationship?”
• Assuming that a female colleague is being "sensitive" or "harsh" for expressing discomfort.

Encountering microaggressions at work can significantly affect an individual's job performance, mental well-being, and beyond.

How to tackle microaggressions in the workplace?

If you encounter a microaggression in the workplace, consider taking these steps:

* Take a breath: Stay calm and maintain your composure.

* Consider your response: If you can, calmly address the situation. If not, step away until you've decided how to respond.

* Ask for clarification: If you're not sure of the intent behind the behavior, ask for clarification.

* Be direct: Politely and confidently express how the comment or action made you feel.

* Focus on the event: Don't act with anger, which will not help the situation.

* Document the incident: Note the time, date, what was said, and who said it. If you have a copy of problematic or discriminatory email exchanges, screenshot or gather them.

* Discuss your feelings: Open up the floor for discussion so you can express how the comment or behavior made you feel.

* Educate the other person: If you have the space and energy for it, educate the other person on why their behavior was inappropriate or harmful.

* Set boundaries: Remind them of the rules or policies. For example, you could say, "That behavior is against our code of conduct and could really get you in trouble". 

You may also want to reach out to trusted peers and loved ones for support, or approach HR to document the problem and request help.