During South Asian Heritage Month, we had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion exploring the successful careers of South Asian leaders in healthcare communications. Since joining the industry, this was the first event we had come across truly dedicated to South Asians in healthcare communications – and we were unsure what to expect. What we found was a community of like-minded individuals willing to speak up about their experiences and help those starting out in the industry authentically make an impact.
The communications industry, like many others, faces difficulties in attracting and retaining talent from diverse backgrounds. As members of the South Asian community, we have a personal understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that our heritage brings to the workplace. South Asia encompasses the diverse cultures of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, representing a rich blend of traditions, languages, and experiences that contribute to our professional lives.
A report from Totaljobs and the Diversity Trust highlights career progression barriers for Black and South Asian women in the UK:
- Two-thirds of Black and South Asian women at the managerial level believe their ethnicity or gender has impacted their progression into leadership positions.
- South Asian women continue to have significantly low representation in senior roles, with racial and gender discrimination experienced across all sectors.
Whilst these statistics are concerning, they also present an opportunity for positive change. This article aims to shed light on the specific experiences of South Asian professionals in the field, offering insights for employees, managers and employers on creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Recognising Workplace Prejudice
For individuals of colour working in predominantly white industries, identifying and addressing experiences of prejudice or racism can be challenging, particularly for those in junior positions. There is often a concern about being perceived as overly sensitive when voicing your concerns. In corporate settings, it may not always be obvious if biases or prejudices are at play, as they often manifest in indirect or nuanced ways. Therefore, it is important to be aware of concepts such as:
- Code-switching: The act of adjusting one's style of speech, appearance, or behaviour to fit into the dominant workplace culture.
- Microaggressions: Subtle, often unconscious comments or actions that express prejudiced attitudes towards marginalised groups.
- Covert racism: Forms of racial discrimination that may not be immediately apparent.
Recognising when you may be experiencing covert racism, microaggressions, or finding yourself code-switching allows you to better understand your environment and ensure that you are being true to yourself in spaces that genuinely respect and value your identity. It is the first step to understanding if the workplace you are in may not be right for you.
Self-Advocacy and Allyship
While self-advocacy is essential, it is equally important to identify trusted individuals who can advocate on one's behalf. These allies can serve as mentors, offer guidance on navigating workplace politics, provide support in challenging situations and speak positively on one's behalf in meetings.
For those seeking to be allies, consider how you can support colleagues from different cultural backgrounds by speaking up when you witness microaggressions, supporting inclusive policies and an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
The Role of Management in Cultural Awareness
Managers also play an important role in fostering an inclusive environment. Recognising and understanding cultural differences enables managers to avoid misunderstandings arising from cultural misinterpretations or incorrect assumptions and establish a psychological safety net for open communication.
Examples of cultural awareness in management include:
· Understanding societal expectations placed on a new bride.
· Respecting mourning rituals during bereavement.
· Accommodating dietary requirements.
In an industry where flexible working is increasingly common, there is little excuse for a lack of understanding or rigidity in these matters.
The Importance of Details in Creating an Inclusive Culture
When it comes to giving every employee a voice and making sure they feel supported, regardless of their background or identity, the details matter. One example of this that stood out in our discussions is the importance of pronouncing names correctly. As individuals whose names are often mispronounced, we don’t begrudge anyone for getting it wrong, but we believe there’s a culture in the workplace that tends to overlook this issue.
We often see others struggling to pronounce our names, and we want to emphasise that it’s perfectly okay to take a moment to ask how to say it correctly. While it may seem easy to expect others to correct you, it takes mental strength to speak up, even about something that may seem minor. It might seem small to some, but for those of us who hear our names mispronounced daily, it’s a subtle reminder that we are not fully seen or understood in our workplace.
We encourage everyone to take a pause to ask about name pronunciation if they’re unsure – and for employers to lead from the front in this regard.
Building a Supportive and Inclusive Future for South Asian Professionals
As we reflect on our experiences during South Asian Heritage Month and the insights gained from the panel discussion, it’s clear that creating a truly inclusive workplace requires continuous effort and genuine commitment. The challenges faced by South Asian professionals in communications and other industries highlight the need for systemic change, not just in policies, but in everyday interactions and attitudes.
Managers, colleagues, and organisations must all play their part. By actively working to understand and address cultural differences, supporting one another, and advocating for inclusive practices, we can collectively foster a workplace where every individual feels truly valued and respected.
As we move forward, let’s commit to these principles and strive to build workplaces where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, and where every professional can thrive without compromising their identity. This is not just about making our work environments more inclusive; it's about enriching our workplaces with the diverse perspectives and experiences that drive innovation and success.
Stay Connected and Make an Impact
To all South Asians in the communications industry and beyond, we encourage you to reach out and stay connected with us. By sharing your experiences, challenges, and successes, you can help build a stronger, more supportive community. Whether you’re seeking advice, want to network, or simply wish to connect with fellow professionals, we invite you to join the conversation.