{"id":4581,"date":"2022-10-31T11:31:13","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T11:31:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/?p=4581"},"modified":"2022-10-31T11:31:15","modified_gmt":"2022-10-31T11:31:15","slug":"coping-with-stigma-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/coping-with-stigma-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping with Stigma in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
in various work fields and higher occupational representations. There are also serious concerns about the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals in the LGBT society, people as they age, and those with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The underrepresentation of these groups is an even greater problem since it limits them from getting social justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, let us understand what is stigma<\/a> to identify the various ways you can cope with it in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace as it sets an individual apart from others. Stigma can occur due to a misunderstanding or prejudice. It is even worse for people with mental illness as it can result in a lack of support from friends and family members, leaving them feeling marginalized and misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, stigma is prevalent in every phase of society, including the workplace. The affected individuals may fear revealing their experiences for fear of being rejected or perceived differently by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acceptance of the situation and knowledge-seeking are powerful tools for reducing stigma, although it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you are affected by stigma or not, here are a few ways to cope with stigma in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the stigma in the workplace occurs due to a lack of knowledge. Most people do not understand the effects of stigma on the mental health of individuals. You don\u2019t have to give your life story to everyone in the workplace to be accepted. However, you can gather facts so that you are better equipped to identify and respond to stigma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find as much information about stigma, especially the myths, and share them with colleagues in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you understand what stigma is, you\u2019ll understand why members of a certain group may try to hide, conceal or minimize their threatened identity while emphasizing their out-group characteristics. Members of a stigmatized group may also go the opposite direction and find solace in strong group identities that they share with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The members of a stigmatized group may also respond by resisting prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination. However, this is only possible for individuals with strong group identities that help to bring solace. A strong group identity often helps reduce stigma by enabling individuals to view themselves positively while protecting performance and motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a member of a stereotypical group, a strong group identity can help you gain extra motivation from the stereotypes. This works as you are pushed to try extra hard to show that the stereotypes are wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can resist stereotypes’ negative effects in the workplace by turning the challenge into an opportunity to perform better. Ultimately, stigmatized groups do not start with resistance but instead try working within the system and then turn to their stigmatized peers when every other strategy is not effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another factor contributing to stigma in the workplace is the presence of misconceptions emphasized through myths and stereotypes. These result in a negative perception of the members of the other group, often resulting in stigmatization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can challenge such misconceptions by speaking up if you hear individuals using harmful language in the workplace. Lead through example by using the right words when referring to individuals of a minority group. Also, don\u2019t be afraid to pull someone else who may be labeling individuals of a minority group through problematic words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also avoid using diagnostic terms when referring to general behavior, as this could be disrespectful to members of a certain group.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKnow the Facts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find Solace in Identity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Challenge Misconceptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Address Mental Health in the Workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n