EMPLOYMENT LAWYER TACKLING ASIAN HATE IN THE WORKPLACE

Violence and discrimination against Asian Americans are rising across the country, and the worrying trend is bleeding into the workplace. From March 19, 2020, to March 31, 2021, Stop AAPI Hate discovered that hate incidents grew dramatically from 3,795 to 6,603. Verbal harassment, physical assault, civil rights violations (e.g., workplace discrimination, refusal of service, and transit denial), and online harassment are all examples of incidents.

Another recent survey, this one by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV), concluded that the work climate in the United States is uncomfortably difficult for Asian American professionals.

“Systemic issues like employment discrimination require systemic adjustments and higher importance on establishing supportive relationships. These important connections take the form of not only mentors and sponsors, but also allies dedicated to creating a more inclusive future.”

3 Ways to Help Employees Through Difficult Times

The level of uncertainty that individuals have encountered and continue to endure over the last several years is startling.

When you combine ongoing current events with the daily challenges of childcare, elderly care, and even pet care, it’s no surprise that everyone’s mental health and well-being are suffering. According to a survey, in 2021, 76 percent of full-time U.S. workers will report experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health disorder, a 29% increase from 2019. These symptoms have a long-term impact on workers, with 80 percent of U.S. employees reporting symptoms that last a month or longer and 36% reporting symptoms that last five months to a year.

1) Accept that it’s alright not to be okay

Humans were not made to deal with such uncertainty. Allow individuals to process their emotions and recognize, as a manager, that you are always available to act as a sounding board anytime people are ready to talk.

To be a good leader, managers must be able to control their own stress. If you want your colleagues to be open about how they’re feeling, being willing to show the same amount of transparency about how you’re doing and all of it can go a long way toward building healthy team relationships. It lets employees know that they’re not alone and that you’re all in this together.

2) Take care of your emotional health

Self-care is crucial. There are many strategies to encourage teams to proactively take care of their mental health, but it all starts with you, the leader. Here are some ideas for how to approach your own self-care:

  • Keeping up with the news while avoiding “doomscrolling.”
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (i.e., regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy diet)
  • Staying in touch with family, friends, and coworkers
  • Set work boundaries: respect working hours, don’t check work messages after hours, be clear about task deadlines, and prioritize frequently.
  • Take advantage of any employer-provided mental health and wellness benefits.

3) Make access to resources easy

Even though resources are easily available at any time, ensure that the proper links and information are recirculated to people when they are most in need. Managers having this information on hand will also assist you in answering any particular inquiries about what kind of workplace support is available when speaking with your staff.

Working with a legal commentator and experienced attorney can help you explore and understand your options and rights. Ani Azadian is an American lawyer and legal commentator who has appeared on CNN, HLN, and Fox News. She has handled virtually every type of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, harassment, and wage & hour dispute.

Mrs. Azadian is a litigator who practices employment law in Los Angeles and Orange County and has discussed legal matters on national and international news programs. She understands the ins and outs of workplace hate and discrimination harassment laws across the United States and has proven success identifying workplace abusers and holding them accountable for their actions. Visit www.azadianlawgroup.com to know more about her education, career, and achievements.