The Attack on Fairness, Justice and Freedom from Discrimination in the Workplace

The Trump administration’s approach is to rollback programs and policies designed to promote fairness, justice and freedom from discrimination in the workplace. Executive orders and rhetoric targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have created an atmosphere of hostility, particularly for groups of workers that have had less influence and power in the workplace. These attacks promise to undermine efforts to reduce workplace inequities, promote fairness, and support freedom from discrimination and bullying. 

Examples:

1. Workplace Disparities Persist

• • Structural inequities, including pay gaps, discriminatory practices, and unequal access to opportunities, remain significant challenges in many workplaces.
  • These disparities are particularly acute for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and workers with disabilities.
  • For example, Black workers are disproportionately represented in low-wage and high-stress jobs, often facing workplace bullying and other forms of injustice.

2. Legislative and Administrative Actions

• • Efforts to curtail DEI programs under the guise of “colorblindness” or “anti-wokeness” threaten to erase progress made in addressing workplace inequities.
  • These actions discourage organizations from actively addressing racial and gender disparities.
  • Such policies create fear around engaging in meaningful DEI work

3.     Impact on Workers’ Mental Health

• •  Without robust DEI initiatives, marginalized employees are more likely to experience workplace injustices. This results in higher stress levels, burnout, and poorer health outcomes.

HWC Supported Solutions

To counter these challenges and build healthier, more equitable workplaces, a multifaceted approach is essential. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, we can create healthier, more just workplaces that foster not only equity but also enhanced productivity and employee satisfaction. Organizations should create policies that rise above the minimum of legal compliance to also recognize the costs of unjust and inappropriate or disrespectful behaviors that can negatively impact employee health.

• Advocate for Policies Supporting DEI
  • Push back against legislation and executive actions that weaken DEI programs by lobbying for state and local laws that explicitly protect workplace equity initiatives.
  • Partner with allies in labor unions, occupational safety groups, and community organizations to amplify calls for inclusive workplace policies.
• Identify Workplace Injustice Using the Healthy Work Survey
  • Help employers and employees use the Healthy Work Survey to identify work-related causes of mental and physical health problems including workplace bullying, sexual harassment and feelings of discrimination.
• Promote Awareness and Education
  • Launch public campaigns to educate employers and the public on the importance of DEI in fostering workplace health and productivity.
  • Share evidence-based data linking diversity and inclusion to improved employee well-being and organizational performance.
• Strengthen Workplace Protections
  • Develop model policies for employers to adopt that address systemic inequities and protect against workplace bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
  • Provide resources and tools for organizations and unions to implement and measure the success of DEI initiatives effectively.
• Highlight Success Stories
  • Showcase examples of organizations that have successfully implemented DEI programs and the resulting positive outcomes, such as improved retention, higher job satisfaction, and better mental health among employees.
• Engage Stakeholders
  • Create coalitions of organizations and leaders committed to advancing intersectionality to address the unique challenges faced by workers across multiple marginalized identities..

HWC Sources/Materials

HWC Fact Sheet: Reduce Workplace Injustice 
HWC Info Page: From Principles of Healthy Work: Reduce Incivility
HWC Blog: Women, Work and Stress in a Hybrid World
HWC Blog: Black Lives Matter: Perspectives from the Healthy Work Campaign
HWC Article: Workplace Sexual Harassment, Not just a Hollywood Problem
HWC Article: How Management Contributes to Toxic Workplaces
HWC Infographic: Workplace Bullying: Statistics to Know 
JOEM article COVID-19 Pandemic: What’s Work Got to Do With It?