I noticed something very interesting in my job’s holiday calendar for 2023. The office is closed for July 4th but open on Juneteenth. Both holidays celebrate independence and freedom. But I was disappointed in the company for not observing both holidays in the same way.

I shared my concerns with my boss and then sent an email to Human Resources (HR). The email addressed how the company’s unequal observance of Juneteenth has changed my view of the company. I felt it was important to speak up, although I have a lower position in the company. It felt uncomfortable to point out the problem, but it had to be done.

The reality is that sometimes we have to deal with uncomfortable situations at work. I am an entry-level employee, and it’s common for younger employees like me to leave “hard conversations” with those who tend to be older and more experienced. It can be even harder to raise hard topics when you’re just starting your career — especially if you’re shy. And I will admit I’m outgoing, but speaking out about the company holidays still wasn’t easy

The Real World of Work

When you enter the workforce, you step into the real world. The phrase, “It’s an evil world we live in,” stems from society’s ugly past and present. Sadly, discrimination and harassment still happen every day. This includes things like racism, sexism, ableism, sexual harassment, and more. 

According to a global survey by the International Labour Organization and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, nearly 23% of people have experienced violence or harassment at work. This data only counts those who have spoken up. I can only imagine the real number when you consider that many people don’t report these issues at work. 

You can make a difference by speaking out about discrimination, violence, harassment, and the like in the workplace. It’s easier said than done, but doing so can help to create a healthier and happier work environment for you and your coworkers. 

It’s usually best to start by speaking to your boss. Then you can work together to find solutions to the problem. By starting with your boss, you can build trust while finding the quickest and most effective solution to the problem. Here are some tips on how young people can speak up about tough topics at work.

Tips for Having Hard Conversations with Your Boss

1. Set a time to talk with your boss in private.
   1. A private setting could be an office, on the phone, or a video chat.
2. Understand that speaking to your boss is different from speaking with family members and friends.
   1. Use a formal tone that is assertive but not passive or aggressive.
   2. Avoid profanity, slang, and yelling.
   3. Stay calm and composed as you express your thoughts and feelings.
   4. Encourage having an open discussion and keep an open mind.
3. Speak to trusted coworkers about the topic. Speaking to trusted coworkers can help build a sense of community — especially if they have experienced similar issues. Having the support of your coworkers will give you a confidence boost, especially if you’re feeling intimidated.
   1. Be careful with which coworker you speak to. Only talk with those you trust and know will understand your perspective.
   2. Be sure to avoid talking behind someone’s back, even accidentally. Only seek advice from trusted co-workers.
4. Practice what you’re going to say.
   1. Think about how you feel and then put those feelings into words. Your feelings are valid, and you don’t want anyone to minimize your feelings simply because of a lack of understanding.
   2. Identify the key issue(s) and how to express them assertively.
   3. Prepare for responses from your boss. Will your boss respond positively, negatively, or somewhere in between? If you mentally prepare for multiple responses, you will be more confident heading into the discussion.

What to Do if You Can’t Start with Your Boss 

Unfortunately, the issue might be your boss, or you might not feel comfortable talking with your boss about a certain topic. But know that you still have someone to talk to. The human resources (HR) department makes sure the company follows the rules and helps workers feel safe and welcome. As a U.S. employee, you have a right to speak with HR, and you have a right to a work environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and violence. 

After Your Discussion

It’s very common to have negative thoughts before and after speaking up. Many people won’t speak up because they fear they’ll upset their boss, cause problems at work, or experience negative consequences. However, you have protections. For example, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws that protect employee rights. There are laws to stop companies from treating employees unfairly, including laws against workplace harassment, not providing reasonable accommodations, and punishing employees for speaking up. 

Learning how to communicate well at work — especially about tough topics — takes time and practice. Yet, learning how to face challenges at work will improve your communication skills, confidence, and the workplace environment as a whole. 
 

Sources

1. International Labour Organization. (2022, December 5). Experiences of Violence and Harassment at Work: A first global survey.. https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_863177/lang--en/index.htm#:~:text=GENEVA%20(ILO%20News)%20%E2%80%93%20More, Lloyd's%20Register%20Foundation%20(LRF)%20and
2. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. (n.d.). Know your rights Factsheet: Workplace rights. U.S. Department of Labor.
3. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Employees & job applicants. https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants
4. Gonzales, M. (2022, December 14). The damaging effects of workplace racism: How to protect workers of color from racial trauma. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/the-damaging-effects-of-workplace-racism.aspx
5. Adu-Oppong, A. (2014). Communication in the workplace: Guidelines for improving effectiveness. Global Journal of Commerce & Management Perspectives, 3(5), 208–213.
6. NPR. (2022, April 13). How to tackle workplace conflict head-on. https://www.npr.org/2022/04/07/1091455113/how-to-handle-conflict-at-work