Breaking Barriers: How Workplace Dynamics Impact Black Women's Careers
The Onyx Truth is, the results are disheartening but not surprising—yet they give us the power to name what’s happening and to take steps to protect our peace, our purpose, and our progress.
Alexis White
Strategic Insights Leader
How Workplace Dynamics Impact Black Women's Careers
Hey friend, let’s have an honest heart-to-heart about what it’s like being Black, being a woman, and navigating workspaces where we often feel like we have to fight just to be seen. A groundbreaking study, Intersectional Peer Effects at Work: The Effect of White Coworkers on Black Women’s Careers, pulls back the curtain on some of these experiences, especially the challenges we face when we’re in predominantly white environments.
What the Study Reveals:
Black Women Face Unique Career Hurdles
The study tracked over 9,000 new hires at a professional services firm and found that Black employees, especially Black women, experience more career setbacks than their peers. Black employees are 32% more likely to leave their jobs within two years and 26% less likely to be promoted on time compared to white coworkers. The numbers are even starker for Black women: their turnover rate is 51% higher than white women’s, and they are the least likely to be promoted on time.Related Read: Nearly 300,000 Black women left the U.S. labor force in just three months.
Working with Predominantly White Teams is Draining
Black women in whiter teams report fewer opportunities for meaningful work, are more likely to be labeled as “low performers,” and face biases that block their path to promotions. A 20% increase in white team members translates to a 15.8% higher turnover rate and 11.5% fewer on-time promotions for Black women. These aren’t coincidences—they’re systemic patterns that show up over and over again.Bias in Performance Evaluations
Whiter teams tend to evaluate Black women more harshly, even when their performance matches or exceeds expectations. These labels stick, creating a cycle where Black women are overlooked for promotions and left out of high-profile projects. It’s exhausting, unfair, and deeply frustrating.The Importance of Representation
Here’s the flip side: Black women who work with more Black or Asian coworkers are less likely to leave their jobs and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Representation matters—it’s not just a talking point. When we see others like us in our workplace in similar, or higher roles, it gives us hope and makes the grind feel a little less isolating.
How The Onyx Truth Supports You
At The Onyx Truth, we understand these challenges because we’ve been there. Our mission is to equip you with tools, strategies, and community to thrive in these spaces. Here’s how we can help:
Own Your Career Narrative
We’ll help you articulate your accomplishments with confidence, so you’re always in control of your story. Through resume coaching, interview prep, and personal branding, we’ll show you how to highlight your unique strengths and make them undeniable.Find Your Allies
Navigating predominantly white spaces doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. We’ll connect you to a network of Black professionals who understand your journey and can share strategies to navigate tricky dynamics, advocate for yourself, and build strong workplace relationships.Break Down Biases
We’ll teach you how to spot and address biases in performance reviews and project assignments. Whether it’s knowing how to document your wins or having the language to call out double standards, we’ve got your back.Protect Your Peace
Sometimes, the best move is knowing when to walk away from environments that don’t serve you. We’ll guide you on identifying when it’s time to pivot, helping you build a strategy to land in spaces that value and celebrate your brilliance.
Representation Starts with Us
Through mentorship programs, career development resources, and spotlighting success stories, The Onyx Truth is committed to building a community where Black professionals feel empowered and uplifted.
We know the road isn’t always smooth, but you’re not alone. The Onyx Truth is here to help you rise above the challenges, own your career, and thrive unapologetically. Together, we’ll turn the obstacles into stepping stones, because you deserve nothing less.
First Step? Join The Onyx Truth Collective; an exclusive community for Black Professionals like you, looking to thrive instead of simply surviving in their organizations.
Articles
Discover our other articles
Explore our articles and resources
