Can't Be Yourself at Work? Deloitte Study Reveals Scope of 'Covering' in US Companies and How to Assess Culture Fit.
|
NOTICE: This content is in pending
status and not visible to those without the url...
|
|
|
|
Posted By: S. Moore on March 21, 2024 Deloitte’s DEI Institute™, in collaboration with the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law, recently released "Uncovering culture: A call to action for leaders research exploring how U.S. workers “cover,” or downplay known disfavored identities to fit into mainstream corporate cultures and its impact on employee well-being and organizational culture. The study, based on a representative survey of 1,269 full- and part-time adult workers across various industries, highlights that 60% of workers have covered at work within the last year. This figure mirrors the results from a decade ago, indicating the persistent nature of covering culture in corporate environments. Covering behavior, defined across four axes—appearance-based (modifying aspects of self-presentation to fit in), affiliation-based (minimizing behaviors widely associated with one’s identity), advocacy-based (not defending or promoting the interests of one’s group), and association-based (avoiding contact with other group members)—continues to reveal the pressures that workers face at work to edit their identities including age, religion, race/ethnicity, and mental health status. Key findings from the study indicate respondents from non-dominant groups in the workplace generally reporting higher rates of covering than those from majority or dominant groups, the study highlights disparities in 'covering' rates among racial and ethnic groups, particularly among Asian, Black, and Hispanic/Latinx workers, compared to their White peers. Notably, when considering the intersection of race and gender, the prevalence of covering intensifies. For instance, 86% of Asian women and 80% of Black women reported covering at work, whereas just 55% of Asian men and 43% of Black men admitted to the same conduct. Younger workers, like millennials and Gen Z, also report higher rates of covering than older workers, demonstrating the prevalence and universality of workplace covering. The impact of covering on professional well-being is unmistakable, as evidenced by the 74% of workers who indicated that the need to cover at work has negatively impacted them in some way, including their overall well-being and commitment to their organization. In response to the pressing need to address covering culture in the workplace, Deloitte's study offers practical strategies for leaders to drive change. By diagnosing organizational covering demands, sharing personal narratives in distinct and diffuse ways, and actively practicing allyship leaders can lay the groundwork for a workplace culture that embraces authenticity. These recommendations, while not exhaustive, provide a clear path for mitigating the negative impacts of covering and cultivating environments where individuals feel empowered to express their true selves. In response to the study's findings, Kwasi Mitchell, Chief Purpose & DEI Officer at Deloitte US, remarks, "The data in this report can serve as a useful blueprint for leaders to understand why covering persists in organizations and how to address its root causes. We hope this report and the DEI Institute’s thought leadership inspires organizations to make meaningful strides toward fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging." The Uncovering culture study underscores Deloitte's commitment to advancing equity and belonging in the workplace. For more information and to access the full report, visit www.deloitte.com/us/uncovering. What might applicants want to look for when assessing organizational culture, especially as it relates to a culture of belonging and authenticity? With these findings in mind, candidates can consider… Lauren Romano, manager of campus recruiting at Deloitte Services LP, suggests approaching interviews as a two-way dialogue rather than a one-way interrogation of your resume. And treat that dialogue as an opportunity to assess an organization's culture and commitment to achieving belonging and equitable outcomes. Some examples:
Questions candidates can ask to better understand an organizations’ culture
For more information on Deloitte's recruiting process and additional resources, visit www.deloitte.com/us/careers. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Career Content
 |
Spending time in a GARAGE Build it Guard it Design it Man Cave itHow many different types of Garages are under construction as we read?
👷🏽♂️Architects
“ How much does an Architectural Intern make in Columbus, Ohio?
As of Feb ...more
How May I Help You NC • 180 Views • February 12th, 2026 |
 |
Unlock Your Entrepreneur Journey — NEXT GEN Info SessionDate & TimeTuesday, February 1710:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM CST / 1:00 PM ESTVirtual EventREGISTER HERE:https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a...Tuesday, March 1710:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM CST / 1:00 ...more
Laura Van Brackle Sims • 394 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
Love a little help from my friend: Stevie WonderCurator: Sami YenigunStevie Wonder needs little introduction. His awards and achievements — 25 Grammy Awards, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, more than 100 million records sold worldwide — ...more
How May I Help You NC • 430 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
Popular Career Content
 |
PAID, federal internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative!The Washington Center Federal Diversity Internship Initiative Now is your chance to apply for paid fall internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative! This is your once-in-a-lifetime op ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 41,913 Views • June 14th, 2017 |
 |
Today's Success Tip: Joachim de Posada says, Don't eat the marshmallow...yetWe were invited to the National Association of African Americans in Human Resource's reception held at the
Atlanta Marriott Marquis during the SHRM conference, and the gift/tip we walked away with w ...more
How May I Help You NC • 41,025 Views • June 29th, 2012 |
