Navigating Microaggressions in the Workplace as a Person of Colour
- F.O.W Foundation of Hope
- Oct 30, 2025
- 2 min read
For many marginalized individuals, the workplace can be both a place of opportunity and a space where subtle forms of discrimination — known as microaggressions — occur. These are everyday comments, actions, or behaviors that may seem small but carry harmful or dismissive messages about one’s identity. Over time, these experiences can impact mental health, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging at work.
Understanding Microaggressions
Microaggressions can show up in many ways — a colleague making assumptions about your background, comments about your appearance or accent, or being overlooked in meetings despite your contributions. While they may not always be intentional, their impact is real and can leave you feeling frustrated, invalidated, or emotionally drained. Recognizing these moments is the first step toward protecting your well-being.
Ways to Navigate and Protect Your Peace
Pause and Breathe: When a microaggression occurs, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. It’s okay to step away and ground yourself first.
Set Boundaries: If you feel safe doing so, calmly address the comment or behaviour. You might say, “I know that wasn’t your intention, but that comment felt uncomfortable.”
Seek Support: Talk with a trusted colleague, mentor, or counsellor about your experiences. Sharing what happened can help you process your emotions and explore strategies to cope.
Document Patterns: If microaggressions become frequent or escalate, keeping notes can help you identify patterns and advocate for yourself if needed.
Prioritize Self-Care: Experiencing racial microaggressions can take an emotional toll. Engaging in rest, therapy, and community support is an important part of healing.
You Deserve Safety and Respect
No one should have to minimize their identity to feel comfortable at work. Learning to recognize, respond to, and recover from microaggressions is not just about managing discomfort — it’s about reclaiming your power and peace of mind.
At NuView Wellness Centre, we offer culturally responsive and client-centred counselling to help you navigate workplace challenges, build resilience, and restore emotional balance. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and supported — both at work and within yourself.
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