I’m a New Employee and Already I’ve Noticed Some Racial Comments That Make Me Uncomfortable
Hey 👋🏾
I’m a new employee (first month in) and already I’ve noticed some racial comments that make me uncomfortable. I just got out of grad school and this is my first full-time job — so I don’t wanna mess this up. when I hear insensitive comments — how should I confront it — when my team hasn’t even had a chance to fully get to know me yet? also, we mostly work on slack. how can I approach these conversations online when I know it might be screenshotted and shared?
-Entry-Level in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dear New & Uncomfortable,
This is always a little bit tricky...
I think the best way to address inappropriate comments in the workplace is by contacting your Human Resources department and give them detailed accounts of what's being said and by whom. With that said, if you have evidence in writing, i.e. Slack conversations and comments, I would use that to give to them.
Your HR should have policies in place to address this with employees. You can remain anonymous and confidentially alert them to the behavior that you've witnessed.
Your company may prefer that you first alert your immediate supervisor before involving HR. This may also depend on the company culture as well. I think it depends on the players involved. If you feel like you can speak with your manager or supervisor without being retaliated against and with confidentiality, then do so. If not, then I would suggest you go to HR instead.
Either way, make sure you have evidence to back up your complaint and make sure that you are aware of the steps taken to address the problem. If after they've addressed the employees, you're still seeing the same behavior and/or feel like you're being singled out, you'll definitely need to go to HR next.
I'm sorry you're having to deal with this level of ignorance to the point that it makes you uncomfortable. It's very possible that these people's behavior has been accepted as apart of your company's culture.
Let's hope not...
Chin up! You've got this!
Nikki Davis
Hey 💕
Thank you for reading this post. We are an independent company and rely on readers like you to help support us! If you want to continue to support Your Corporate Black Girl, you can do so in a few ways:
Subscribe to us! Yes, it's that simple and easy!
Or, contribute! Share an experience, let us interview you. Let us know you.
Thank you!
Team Your Corporate Black Girl
NIKKI
Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life!
Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com.
Need Nikki's advice?