Two in three minority workers feel pressure to pursue specific job roles

By Rob Knight, 72Point via SWNS

Four in 10 ethnic minority workers in the UK have lied about or hidden career decisions due to cultural expectations - more than twice as many as White workers.

A poll of 1,568 employed adults - including those from Asian, Black, Arab, and White communities - found 67 percent of non-white workers felt pressure to pursue specific job roles by family.

In contrast, just 31 percent of White workers felt this way - a difference of 36 percent.

And the pressure those feel from loved ones appears to take its toll - especially on ethnic minorities - with it being detrimental to confidence (37 percent) and sense of independence (40 percent).

The research was commissioned by Samsung Pioneers - a platform created to champion greater equality in the technology industry.

Diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, Marvyn Harrison, said: “We have a generational issue of workers in ethnic communities being pressured into high-paying and traditional job roles as a way of navigating systemic inequality.

“From my own experience, Black families specifically have stopped believing their children will have equality without creating a perceived value in their career.

“This prevents diversification of the types of roles people commit to at the highest level and an important sense of belonging once they get there.

“The impact of this mental load means Black employees are not showing up as their full selves and experiencing imposter syndrome which prevents them from excelling and progressing at the rate their talent deserves.

“We need a generational shift of all races and ethnicities pursuing roles which suit their passions and consider their neurodiversity, mental health, class, gender, religion and sexuality, as well as being fully accepted for who they are.”

Regardless of ethnicity, roles deemed to meet the expectations of family include being a medical doctor, lawyer, and accountant.

But cultural pressure doesn’t just come from family - 47 percent of ethnic minority workers claim to have been treated unfairly due to cultural background.

As such, 56 percent admitted to feeling obliged to change aspects of identity or heritage to fit in at work.

This includes adopting a new accent (32 percent) and changing eating habits (28 percent) - just to avoid being seen as different.

In contrast, just 15 percent of White workers have felt ‘forced’ to change aspects of cultural identity to become valued in the workplace.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found 71 percent of ethnic minority workers claim to have to work harder than White British employees who have the same or similar job roles.

This includes needing to work more efficiently (47 percent), being expected to produce work of a higher standard (38 percent) and working more hours (29 percent).

Dave Thompson, of Black Professionals at Samsung Employee Resource Group, said: “If we want everyone to bring their authentic selves to work and thrive in their jobs, we must take steps to not only understand but also challenge the current state of play.

“Workplaces can help by building out sustainable careers across their business, subsidiaries and strategic partners to ensure the best practices are in place to drive equity, diversity and belonging at the center of everything they do.

“We know there's still work to be done to make all workers feel they can be heard and valued, but we’re committed to continuing our journey.”

For more information about Samsung UK & Ireland's initiatives click here.