The Law and the Little Things

Microaggressions in the workplace

Most organisations today recognise the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion within their workplaces, in particular, how to build an inclusive culture. However, organisations need to go beyond warm words to deliver on commitments in practice.

Microaggressions are subtle acts of discrimination; unfortunately commonplace behaviours that many write off as too trivial to mention - the “little things” that just happen. Though “little” in name, these occurrences can become large by nature, and businesses must be aware of the deep and often devastating impact of ignoring them.

Video Series

CMS’ six-part video series brings these issues to life and helps leaders develop their awareness and understanding of the impact of these everyday behaviours.

Watch all six episodes below, or download our Key Themes document which summarises our learnings from the series.

The Law and the Little Things Microaggressions in the workplace

Publication

The Law and the Little Things - Key Themes

Download

PDF 2.1 MB

“The sessions in the series have been excellent. The format has been ideal - hearing from panel members about their lived experiences really brings the issues to life and gives a practical relevance to what is being discussed. Thanks you very much for such an excellent series.”
Client Feedback

“Brilliant session. It was my first of the 6. The openness and honesty of the panel was illuminating. Well done to all of them”
Client Feedback

“Enlightening - great to hear real world experience”
Client Feedback

“It addressed more than I expected and thank you so much to all the presenters for sharing their personal experiences”
Client Feedback

“Really engaging and informative session today, as were others in this series which was terrific. Thank you CMS!”
Client Feedback

I have thoroughly enjoyed the series. Excellent food for thought on use of language and a spotlight on how people behave, unintentionally or otherwise! I will recommend to colleagues, friends and family! Thank you!
Client Feedback

“Every session has been excellent and has provided invaluable information and insights.”
Client Feedback

“This has been a very enlightening series with a lot of insights from panel members. There has also been a lot of context provided which makes the subject matter more relatable”
Client Feedback

Episode 1: Hair we go again…

Understanding afro hair discrimination.

Episode 2: “Don’t Sweat It”

Microaggressions toward menopause.

Episode 3: A touch of class

Social mobility: the impact of microaggression on the workplace.

Episode 4: Keep the faith

Calling out subtle and not-so-subtle islamophobia in the workplace.

Episode 5: Pushy Little Things

Microaggressions toward females in the business context.

Episode 6: Microaggressions against the LGBTQ+ community

Covert discrimination or otherization of people in the LGBTQ+ community.

How can the CMS Employment Team help you?

If this topic is important to your business but you do not have time to watch all six full-length sessions, our microaggressions masterclass may be for you.

This 60-minute training course, which can be conducted virtually or in-person, condenses what we have learnt from the series of six panel sessions. Please get in touch to discuss how we could work with your organisation and upskill your staff on microaggressions.

Further resources

ESG: The People Perspective

Advising the Board on Diversity & Inclusion

CMS Expert Guide on discrimination in the workplace