We all know that microaggressions — you know, those barely disguised behaviours and “jokes” that are low-key sexist, racist, homophobic and so on — are no fun. It’s one thing to experience them in your day-to-day life, whether it be someone commenting on how well-spoken you are, or someone calling you crazy, but to hear these things over and over again in your workplace (you know, where professionalism is supposed to exist!) is a whole different story.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the most common workplace microaggressions in Canada so that you can check yourself if you’ve done any of these, and call others out if they’re doing them without even realizing. A healthy and happy workplace is one where everyone feels supported and respected.
Microaggression: ‘Oh, sorry, I thought you were someone else!”
The problem:
Some of us work with lots of different people, but this microaggression can be super harmful if you’re an underrepresented minority, because it furthers the myth that all people from the same racial group look the same.
Try this instead:
Take the time to actually look at people and learn their names. You wouldn’t like being constantly confused for someone else, so keep that in mind while you’re at work.
Related: 10 accidental microaggressions you might be making everyday.
Microaggression: “Oh you’re queer? I love Lil Nas X!”
The problem:
If you’re a straight person, comparing a co-worker to a celebrity that neither of you know is out of touch with this person’s lived experience. Just because this person might be attracted to someone of the same gender like said celeb, it doesn’t mean they have anything in common with them beyond that.
Try this instead:
Say nothing! Someone else’s love life is none of your business. If you co-worker wants to chat about their love life with you, they will without you prodding them to do so.
Related: Celebrity coming out stories that will make you cry tears of Pride.
Microaggression: “Wow, you’re so young to be in this position!”
The problem:
Commenting on someone’s age is never a good idea. While you might think this is a compliment, it can undermine how hard someone has worked to get where they are in the workplace. Just because someone is younger, it doesn’t mean they don’t have the skills or experience to succeed at their job.
Try this instead:
Nothing. The same way you wouldn’t say someone is too old to be doing their job, refrain from saying anything about people’s ages.
Related: 30 celebrities who conceived or had babies after age 35.
Microaggression: “I can’t believe you did this! Your disability is so inspiring!”
The problem:
No one wants to hear that something they have no control over is inspiring, and being differently abled isn’t something to be “overcome.” People who are differently abled are people just like the rest of us. It’s ableist to insinuate that those with different abilities aren’t able to achieve as much as their able-bodied co-workers, and praising them for simply doing their jobs is incredibly rude.
Try this instead:
Don’t praise someone for doing their job just as well as someone else. If you want to compliment your co-worker, thank them for how hard they’ve worked on a project or let them know you appreciate it when they bring you coffee every morning.
Related: 10 stigmas women still face every day.
Microaggression: “You probably won’t want to work after having a baby.”
The problem:
Far too many women have heard this after getting pregnant, and it’s such a tired sexist trope to be playing into in 2021. While some women do choose to stay at home with their kids after becoming mothers, many women also choose to return to work. It’s a personal choice and specific to each person and their family situation.
Try this instead:
Don’t assume anything, and avoid projecting onto your co-workers. They have enough going on with a baby on the way.
See also: Celebrity babies born in 2021: All you need to know.
Microaggression: “Have you ever even used TikTok before?”
The problem:
We all know Gen Z has lots of fun on the video sharing app, but that’s not to say that your older co-workers don’t understand how to use it. By assuming that anyone who isn’t in their 20s or 30s doesn’t understand how to use social media is ageist and unkind.
Try this instead:
If you’re using an app and your co-worker seems interested, try showing them the latest funny vid you’re watching. Including them in on the fun is a great way to connect and build a relationship.
Related: The richest TikTokers in 2021.
Microaggression: Interrupting (again, and again, and again!)
The problem:
While sometimes it’s natural to get carried away in a meeting, interrupting and talking over another co-worker signals to them that you don’t value what they have to say. It hasn’t been uncommon for men in workplace situations to talk over their female colleagues, sometimes even repeating the same ideas just at higher volume, but many women are guilty of this as well.
Try this instead:
Instead of talking, try listening. Allow other employees to finish their thoughts before you chime in with your own ideas. You might just learn something from them.
Related: A complicated word: ‘woman’ and its history.
Microaggression: “I don’t understand why we have to celebrate women’s history month — what about men’s history month?”
The problem:
Women make history every day, but often aren’t recognized for their contributions at work. Taking the time to celebrate what they have achieved is important, especially in male-dominated industries and workplaces that can disproportionately spotlight such achievement.
Try this instead:
Diversity, equity and inclusion committees often set up events and educational activities around women’s history month. See how you can get involved to support the women in your workplace.
Related: 10 inspirational Asian Canadian women you need to know.
Microaggression: “Why do you wear that?”
The problem:
Whether your colleague is wearing a hijab, a gele, a turban or a kippah, it’s invasive to ask them about why they’re dressing in line with their religious or cultural beliefs. They might have very personal reasons for wearing a particular piece of clothing, and just because they choose to wear it doesn’t mean everyone in their cultural or religious group does, nor that they feel like diving into such personal matters with colleagues.
Try this instead:
Don’t stare or try to touch their clothing. You wouldn’t like it if someone touched your outfits and asked invasive questions about your personal style.
Related: 10 common phrases you didn’t know were racist.
Microaggression: “That hairstyle doesn’t look very professional.”
The problem:
Hair has traditionally been policed in workplaces, to the point where people that won’t have straight or natural-coloured hair feel they have to assimilate to adhere to outdated ideas of what it means to be professional. These ideals are often rooted in heteronormativity and anti-Blackness in particular, so they can be harmful to these minority groups.
Try this instead:
Whether your co-worker has dyed their hair in bright colours to celebrate Pride, or they are a Black woman rocking braids or locs, refrain from commenting on their hair.
Related: See these 10 stars show off their wolf cut hairstyles.
