Can't Be Yourself at Work? Why Some Employees "Cover" Their Identity — Leading Diversity at Work
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode of the Leading Diversity at Work podcast, Wharton’s Stephanie Creary speaks with two experts about why some employees feel the need to 'cover' aspects of their identity and how organizations can better support diversity in the workplace. She's joined by Kenji Yoshino -- a professor at NYU School of Law and faculty director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging -- and Joanne Stephane, executive director of Deloitte's DEI Institute™.
SERIES OVERVIEW Leading Diversity at Work is a podcast series featuring Wharton management professor Stephanie Creary in conversation with experts in diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more at http://whr.tn/leadingdiversity.
PODCAST OVERVIEW The Knowledge at Wharton podcast features interviews with Wharton faculty and industry leaders about the business landscape and the impact of their work. Conversations range from the latest research and books by faculty authors, to Leading Diversity at Work with professor Stephanie Creary, and Dollars and Change with professor Katherine Klein.
----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.
Launched in 1999, Knowledge at Wharton offers free access to:
- Articles, podcasts, and videos highlighting Wharton faculty research and analysis of current business trends - Interviews with book authors from Wharton School Press - In-depth series of curated content like Wharton Executive Education’s Nano Tools for Leaders - A searchable database of more than 10,000 articles covering all aspects of business - A weekly newsletter that delivers Knowledge at Wharton insights directly to your inbox
Visit the Knowledge at Wharton homepage: https://whr.tn/3qUpSBE Subscribe to the Knowledge at Wharton YouTube channel: https://whr.tn/3DEAgAU
Brief Summary
Kenji Yoshino and Joanne Stefan discuss covering in the workplace and present solutions for fostering an inclusive culture in their new report.
Key points
- Uncovering Culture. The 2023 report shifts focus from individual covering to organizational demands.
- Intersectionality in Covering. The study reveals that 100% of black LGBTQ+ individuals reported covering.
- Authenticity vs. Covering. The struggle between being authentic and conforming to workplace expectations is explored.
- Challenging Stereotypical Demands. A call to challenge the demands for stereotypical behavior in organizations.
- Universal Vulnerabilities. Everyone faces covering demands, highlighting a shared human experience.
- The Importance of Allies. Being an active ally can help address bias and covering issues effectively.
Ask about Knowledge at Wharton
Episode highlights
- Uncovering CultureThe 2023 report shifts focus from individual covering to organizational demands.“It's not up to individuals; it's up to the organizations themselves.”14:36Dec 12, 2023
- Intersectionality in CoveringThe study reveals that 100% of black LGBTQ+ individuals reported covering.“The whole of that subordination can be greater than the sum of its parts.”16:17Dec 12, 2023
- Authenticity vs. CoveringThe struggle between being authentic and conforming to workplace expectations is explored.“I'm just being my authentic self.”20:22Dec 12, 2023
- Challenging Stereotypical DemandsA call to challenge the demands for stereotypical behavior in organizations.“That's the kind of demand that I would want to challenge.”21:14Dec 12, 2023
- Universal VulnerabilitiesEveryone faces covering demands, highlighting a shared human experience.“No cohort is immune from the covering demand.”28:11Dec 12, 2023
- The Importance of AlliesBeing an active ally can help address bias and covering issues effectively.“Allies are much more effective at intervening.”38:04Dec 12, 2023
- Creating Psychological SafetyLeaders should foster an environment of psychological safety to encourage authenticity.“Workers believe their leaders create psychological safety at about 50%.”41:40Dec 12, 2023
- Active AllyshipActive allyship can make a significant difference in the workplace.“We can all be active allies to each other regardless of our role.”44:25Dec 12, 2023
