Author: LaToya Jones M.ED., LPC-A

As Black women, we often find ourselves wearing the invisible ‘superwoman’ cape, juggling everything with a smile and a shrug, and ignoring our inner distress signals like they’re pesky telemarketers. But hey, maybe it’s time to peel off that invisible cape and admit that even superwomen need a break now and then! I mean, who wouldn’t want to take a breather from saving the world, right? Let’s create a space where vulnerability is the new superpower and where it’s totally cool to put your feet up, binge-watch your favorite show, and bask in the glory of self-care without guilt or shame. After all, rewriting the narrative of strength and resilience should definitely include a chapter on treating ourselves like the VIPs we are!

Often times, trying to hold back our workplace emotions has led to some seriously entertaining, if not downright comical, outcomes. The fear of these consequences often turns us into masters of the poker face, suppressing the urge to break into laughter or tears during those “oh-so-serious” meetings. This self-restraint, however, has inadvertently turned our office into a comedy club, with everyone juggling their emotions like a group of amateur circus performers. As a result, many of us find ourselves engaging in a daily battle of wits with our own feelings, attempting to keep a straight face while the workplace shenanigans unfold. It’s high time for organizations to recognize the hilarious impact of emotional suppression in the workplace, promoting a culture where employees can share their workplace anecdotes, celebrate the ridiculousness, and enjoy a good laugh for the sake of their sanity.

However, the recent trends and the growing awareness of mental health issues seem to have stirred up quite the ruckus. It’s like a sudden surge of Black women standing up for themselves and mastering the art of tackling these one-of-a-kind challenges in toxic work environments. But wait, there’s more! Alongside this empowerment movement, it appears that employers are suddenly developing a talent for dodging responsibility and conveniently forgetting about providing the essential support. It’s almost like a comedy routine, isn’t it?

It's as if we're all being maneuvered like pawns in a meticulously choreographed spectacle, don't you think? Each moment appears precisely orchestrated to manipulate our minds and hold us spellbound.

While working as a school counselor, I focused on workplace wellness and identified the systemic barriers to speaking up about injustices. I felt that “oppression” best described my experience, as it involves the dominance of certain groups inflicting harsh power over others, particularly Black people. According to Lean In and McKinsey and Company (2021), Black women face particularly high barriers in the workplace, experiencing more microaggressions and receiving less support from their managers. This is just a glimpse of the systemic oppression we encounter. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to move on from a job, as the fight for recognition and value can become overwhelming. As Black women, we deserve to find peace and prioritize our well-being.

So, let’s talk through some markers:

Repetitive Injury Leading to Chronic Stress

Often, when subjected to toxic environments, we endure relentless injury through microaggressions, being undervalued, and feeling psychologically or physically unsafe. This frequently results in burnout and disengagement at work. If you recognize these signs, pay attention, and acknowledge them as a clear indicator. Sustained injury without the workplace making any effort to appreciate your worth is a blatant sign.

Rejecting Your Support

Once you acknowledge the relentless injury, passionately advocate for yourself by confronting the issues with leadership. If faced with unwavering resistance, give serious thought to the possibility of moving on. Research compellingly illustrates that historically, when people of color raise these concerns, the unjust burden of problem-solving is unfairly placed on them, perpetuating systemic racism. A lack of accountability and an unsupportive response following requests for help are unmistakable signs that it’s time to seriously contemplate your next steps.

Retaliation After Speaking Up

The common fear of retaliation that keeps people silent in the workplace, highlighting key indicators of retaliation such as denied opportunities, bullying, demotion, excessive micromanaging, and reassignment. It encourages individuals not to be deterred by these markers and to feel empowered to speak up and recognize when it’s time to leave.

It’s crucial to recognize that this doesn’t encompass all Black women’s workplace experiences, but shedding light on common narratives and exploring ways to support well-being is essential. If you’ve faced these challenges, please feel encouraged to seek support outside your workplace. Whether you require professional guidance or a nurturing community, therapy can be an invaluable resource for you.

References:

Branch, Edo & Kasztelnik, Karina. (2023). Challenges, Barriers, and the Underrepresentation of Black Women in Sustainable Global World Environment. Business Ethics and Leadership. 7. 18-34. 10.21272/bel.7(2).18-34.2023.