Dear Learners,

Racial discrimination involves treating a person unfavourably due to their race, colour, descent, or ethnic background. This can manifest in various forms, from blatant acts like offensive remarks or exclusion to more subtle biases that influence hiring decisions and workplace dynamics. No matter the form, racial discrimination creates an unhealthy work environment.

Have you ever seen someone treated unfairly at work because of their race? Or maybe you’ve noticed certain people getting more opportunities while others seem left out?

Workplaces thrive when everyone feels valued, respected, and included. As future professionals, you have a role in ensuring that your workplace remains inclusive and free from discrimination. This requires actively promoting respect in everyday interactions and fostering a culture where all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to contribute and succeed.

To foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace, you can:

• Educate yourself and others: awareness is the first step in addressing discrimination. Take the time to understand different cultures, experiences, and perspectives
• Challenge biases: we all have unconscious biases, but recognising them allows us to make fairer decisions. Challenge assumptions and ensure everyone gets a fair chance
• Speak up: if you witness or experience discrimination, report it through the appropriate channels. Your workplace will have policies and procedures in place to address these issues
• Promote inclusive practices: support diversity initiatives, encourage respectful communication, and ensure all colleagues feel heard and valued

By actively engaging in these practices, you help create a professional environment where talent and skills—not race—define opportunities for success.

Let’s work together to build workplaces where everyone belongs and feels safe.

Have a fantastic Friday!