Talking About Race

The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

27% of white parents of children between 6 and 11 years old surveyed said they “never” talked with their kids about the need for racial equality. 81% of white mothers believed it was important to have such discussions, only 62% of them reported actually doing so. Of those who said they did, however, fewer than one-third of those people could actually recall a specific conversation.

The United Nations has been concerned with this issue since its foundation and the prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments. It places obligations on States and tasks them with eradicating discrimination in the public and private spheres. The principle of equality also requires States to adopt special measures to eliminate conditions that cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination.

Research shows that the relatively small number of white parents who do discuss race with their children often use what are sometimes called “colorblind” approaches that downplay racism’s significance in society. These conversations usually involve emphasizing the sameness between all people, and minimize or deny the idea of differences between races. Typical themes include “not seeing race” or “treating everyone the same,” which ignore or even reject the existence of white privilege and racism.

These discussions can promote a myth of meritocracy that claims anyone can succeed in the U.S. regardless of their race – a belief shared by 57% of the white respondents in the survey. The problem with this colorblindness is that it ignores how racism is embedded in society – for example, in where people live and what kinds of jobs and educational opportunities people have.

Sometimes conversations can also be explicitly or implicitly racist, relying on racial stereotypes premised on the idea of inherent differences between race groups.

Seldom are conversations anti-racist. An anti-racism dialog with children involves acknowledging racial inequalities and the historical and current reasons why they exist. They also include talking about ways a child could help actively undo racism and how not to be a bystander when they see racism being perpetrated.

Three-quarters of adults who had, as children, talked with their parents “very often” about racism said that racial minorities do not have the same opportunities as whites. A similar share, 69%, of them said race plays a major role in the types of social services that people receive, such as health care or daycare. And 69% also agreed that race plays an important role in who gets sent to prison. But of the adults whose parents “never” or “rarely” talked with them about racism, fewer than half – 47% – said racial minorities have different opportunities than whites. Similarly, fewer than half of these people felt that race plays a role in the types of social services people receive or in incarceration – 49% and 48%, respectively.

Resisting racism, challenging racist societal structures and advocating for equity have been an uphill battle shouldered predominantly by individuals, families and communities of color. Our research indicates that the more white parents talk with their children about the realities of global racism, the more aware those kids are, as adults, of inequalities in life.

Although the research* is based in the US we believe this is an underlying issue world wide and wish to tackle both from London and US.

Which is why we have developed our ‘Talking About Race’ cards. If you believe in what we’re trying to do, support our crowdfunding campaign today.

Survey Highlights the Importance of Positive Work Environment and Ethical Practices in Employee Loyalty

A recent survey Unleashing the Potential of Values-Driven Strategies for Talent Attraction and Retentionconducted by Togetherequal.com sheds light on the factors that contribute to employee loyalty within organizations. The survey, which involved 160 participants from various countries, aimed to identify the key elements that influence employee commitment and retention. The findings challenge some conventional assumptions and emphasize the significance of fostering a positive work environment and demonstrating ethical practices.

Key Findings:

According to the survey results, a staggering 69.6% of respondents identified a positive work environment and company culture as vital factors impacting their loyalty to their employer. This emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and engaging workplace atmosphere to ensure employee satisfaction and commitment.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that 59.2% of participants considered corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical practices to be crucial in their loyalty to an organization. This highlights the growing significance of ethical considerations among employees, who increasingly seek employers that align with their values and contribute to the betterment of society.

When compared to previous research findings, these results offer fresh insights into employee priorities. Traditional assumptions might have placed greater emphasis on financial factors, such as competitive salaries and benefits. However, the Togetherequal.com survey indicates that these factors ranked slightly lower, with 72.6% of respondents prioritizing them.

Similarly, while work-life balance (67.6%), opportunities for growth (70%), and recognition and rewards (67%) still remain important to employees, the survey demonstrates that a positive work environment, company culture, CSR, and ethical practices are increasingly influential in shaping loyalty.

Implications for Employers:

The survey results have significant implications for employers seeking to attract and retain a global workforce. To effectively engage employees and encourage loyalty, organizations should prioritize the following aspects:

1. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Employers should focus on creating a supportive culture that values open communication, collaboration, and employee well-being. Nurturing a positive work environment can enhance job satisfaction and encourage long-term commitment.

2. Embrace Ethical Practices and CSR: Demonstrating a commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility is crucial. Employees value organizations that align with their personal values and contribute positively to society.

3. Balance Financial Rewards with Other Factors: While competitive salary and benefits are important, employers should recognize that they are not the sole drivers of loyalty. Offering opportunities for growth, work-life balance, and recognition and rewards are equally essential.

Conclusion:

The survey conducted by Togetherequal.com emphasizes the growing importance of a positive work environment, company culture, and ethical practices in fostering employee loyalty. As employee expectations evolve, employers need to adapt their strategies to attract and retain talent. By prioritizing these aspects alongside financial rewards, organizations can create an environment that nurtures employee commitment and contributes to long-term success.

Register today for a copy of the full report.

Together Equal Recognized as a Top 100 UK Social Enterprise in the NatWest SE100

Together Equal, a leading organization dedicated to fostering equality in the workplace through impactful conversations, has been selected as one of 2023's Top 100 UK social enterprises in the prestigious NatWest SE100.

Together Equal's mission is to create an inclusive and equitable society by initiating discussions that challenge and build awareness of the prevailing inequalities. The organization employs a two-pronged approach, simultaneously working "top down" and "bottom up" to effect lasting change.

Under the "top down" strategy, Together Equal offers corporate workshops designed to simplify and demystify Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. These interactive workshops provide a menu of options exploring various aspects of EDI, enabling participants to delve into their unconscious biases and microaggressions. The workshops also emphasize the significance of allyship, intersectionality, social mobility, and representation. Designed for groups of 20 or fewer, the workshops equip participants with the tools to independently facilitate similar sessions. Additionally, Together Equal provides "All Hands" sessions, offering a high-level overview of these topics for larger groups of 70 or more.

Simultaneously, Through its "bottom up" approach, Together Equal runs a comprehensive school program aimed at primary school children. The ten-week program, aligned with the Key Stage 2/Key Stage 3 PSHE and Citizenship curriculum, assists children in navigating gender, social, and familial stereotypes. Each week, students engage in a 45-minute class that focuses on building their self-esteem, self-confidence, conflict resolution skills, challenging stereotypes, fostering healthy relationships, developing communication skills, and enhancing their sense of connection to their families and communities. The program is offered to schools at no cost, with all profits generated from corporate workshops and conversation card sales being channeled into supporting the school program.

The recognition of Together Equal as one of 2023's Top 100 UK social enterprises in the NatWest SE100 showcases the organization's dedication and impact in driving positive change within society. Through their innovative approach of facilitating conversations and empowering both corporate professionals and young students, Together Equal is actively transforming workplaces and inspiring the next generation.

"We are honored to be selected as one of the Top 100 UK social enterprises in the NatWest SE100," said Sarah Aird-Mash, CEO, at Together Equal. "This recognition affirms our commitment to promoting diversity and equality and further motivates us to continue our work towards creating inclusive environments and empowering young minds. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in society."