Develop a shared understanding of belonging that celebrates genuine authenticity.

Investigate individual biases about what “bring your authentic self” means in the workplace and how Black women may not fit into that definition. What do you consider “authentic”? Does authenticity for Black women go against the organization's ideas of professionalism? Develop a deeper understanding of how Black women often feel the pressure to put on “facades of conformity” in order to fit into workplaces and to disrupt stereotypes they face because of their race and gender identity.

Review the policies your company has in place about appearance, what they communicate, and what the reaction is if someone violates dress codes.

If possible, consider eliminating any type of appearance-related policies. As your organization deepens its commitment to social responsibility, support local, state, and national efforts to end race-based discrimination like the Crown Act.

Give Black women a safe space within the organization.

Black women enjoy working with their coworkers and having a trusted group to confide in for support. Consider creating employee resources groups (ERGs), also known as affinity spaces. This might look like Slack channels or informal gatherings of folks with shared identities or interests. Gauge interest and have 1–2 people organize an initial meeting with participants to discuss structure and goals.

As organizations work to improve the wellness of their employees, develop a shared language that creates an expansive understanding of wellness.

This should include social and health determinants by race, gender, and sexual identities to ensure that the benefits they offer are expansive enough to take the impact of those determinants into consideration and want to improve outcomes for all.

Develop a shared understanding of belonging.

Investigate individual biases about what “bring your authentic self” means in the workplace and develop a deeper understanding of how Black women often feel the pressure to put on “facades of conformity” in order to fit into workplaces and to disrupt stereotypes that they face because of their race and gender identity.