February 9th 2024.
A recent Harris Poll, conducted in December 2023, has shed light on the complexities and prevalence of codeswitching in the workplace, especially among Black and other employees of color. Commissioned by Indeed, the survey revealed that 34% of respondents engaged in codeswitching at work. For those unfamiliar, codeswitching refers to altering one's language or expression to fit into different social situations. It has become a popular topic on platforms like NPR's podcast and blog, which delve into issues of race, culture, and ethnicity.
The reasons for codeswitching vary among individuals, as does their belief in its effectiveness. The survey found that 31% of Black respondents believe codeswitching has a positive impact, while 39% see no effect, and another 39% fear that not codeswitching could harm their careers.
Misty Gaither, Indeed's Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, stresses the importance of understanding codeswitching in the workplace. "Employers need to be aware of codeswitching because it allows us to see the true, authentic version of a person we are bringing into our workforce. When someone feels they can't fully express their identity, we miss out on valuable aspects of who they are, which can benefit our business."
Gaither continues, "Sometimes, we miss opportunities to build genuine connections with our employees because we have preconceived notions of how they should act. As leaders, we must model authenticity and openness, which can reduce the frequency of codeswitching and allow people to show up as their true selves."
The survey found that four groups view codeswitching as necessary: workers at companies scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, Black employees, workers between the ages of 18-34, and those who have experienced discrimination. Black employees are already familiar with the term codeswitching and can recognize when others are doing it. In fact, 50% of Black respondents have seen Black and other people of color engage in codeswitching at work.
Gaither explains that these numbers reflect the mental calculus that Black employees often feel they must perform to succeed in their workplaces. "We often describe codeswitching as a mask we have to wear. It requires constant small adjustments and can be emotionally draining. Some people may use codeswitching as a strategy or tactic to navigate their work environment," Gaither says.
Interestingly, the survey found that representation has little effect on the use of codeswitching in the workplace. Even at companies with good representation of Black and other people of color in leadership positions, 34% of employees still codeswitch. Similarly, 32% of workers have codeswitched at companies with DEI initiatives.
Nicole Dixon, a manager of business operations and co-chair for Indeed's Black Inclusion Group, believes that diversity and inclusivity can greatly impact employee comfort, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds. She says, "Teams need to be more diverse, and individuals must feel comfortable in environments where they don't see themselves. When a team is inclusive and consists of people from different backgrounds, it can foster diverse opinions and thoughts."
On the other hand, the survey found that most Black people feel codeswitching has had no impact on their mental health. Only 23% of respondents believed it had a negative effect, while 21% saw it as positive. As NPR pointed out in an article on codeswitching, it is often an unconscious behavior, meaning many employees do it without thinking.
Yahan Mensah, a UX designer and regional co-chair of Indeed's Black Inclusion Group, says companies must "harness the insights, questions, and feedback from their team members" and recognize that "every individual within an organization brings unique perspectives shaped by their experiences."
Gaither emphasizes the importance of not imposing white expectations on Black workers or those of other races. "It is crucial to understand the stories of people who are different from us. If you are a C-suite executive who spends most of your time in predominantly white spaces, surrounded by peers who share your background, that will be your lens. You will be surprised when you meet someone who does not meet your expectations of how they should act," Gaither explains.
The bottom line is that codeswitching is a common practice in the workplace, particularly among Black and other employees of color. It is essential for employers to understand it, create inclusive environments, and not impose their expectations on their employees. As we continue to strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, recognizing and embracing codeswitching is a crucial step forward.
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