22 Mar 2024
Diversity Lens - Issue 216

After being diagnosed with autism at age 30, I found that knowing and naming my brain was a powerful tool for self-improvement.
Something as simple as knowing why you think the way you do, knowing you aren’t alone in thinking that way, and confidently saying how your perspective might differ from a neurotypical one can greatly impact your quality of life. Especially when having conversations about reasonable adjustments at work, literacy in this is area is key. That's why it was important to me to share this knowledge with others!
For Neurodiversity Celebration Week we did just that by spotlighting common neurodivergent ways of thinking and acting with our LinkedIn community. My hope was that by knowing more about neurodivergent ways of being, this will help inspire conversations that will hopefully lead to more acceptance.
Join me in this over on our LinkedIn 💙
QUICK FIRE NEWS 🧨
🚫 “Ferret Filibuster" blocks anti-trans bill
🗳️ MPs vote on decriminalising abortion
🧑🦽 #YourMoveMET calls for a rethinking of the famous steps
💀 Game designer boss admits to not hiring white people
💔 UK sees biggest rise in poverty for 30 years
LET'S GET INTO IT 🤓
Job vacancies fall to a three-year low ⬇️
Where's the job market at? In recent years, it's been a candidate's market, meaning that there have been a surplus of job vacancies. But now, job vacancies are falling - their lowest in three years - while applications rise. Open positions have decreased by 25% compared to this time last year.
When will it get better? A rebound was expected in early 2024 after last year's recession, but this data suggests otherwise. Companies are still wary to hire in the current climate, and this feeling appears to be sticking around for a while yet.
So how CAN you find new work in this market? 🤯
📧 Cold email companies, before they start advertising roles! We've got a handy email template for you just for that purpose.
🗺️ Look outside your immediate location! Remote/hybrid jobs make this more feasible now.
🍳 Transferable skills! Know how to sell your previous experience to a new role, even if not directly applicable.
☎️ Talk to recruiters - they get the jobs first and can put in the leg work for you.
❤️🩹 Don't give up, and don't get discouraged. It's really tough out there, so make sure you take breaks but keep at it. You'll get there.
Black, Deaf employee sues Google for discrimination
A former Google employee is alleging discrimination via racism and audism (discrimination against those who are deaf or hard of hearing.)
What's the story? Jalon Hall was hired by Google back in 2020 as a content moderator. Upon accepting the job, Jalon was promised disability support for her deafness, including a sign language interpreter. Once hired, she paints a very different picture of her treatment.
Jalon was allegedly denied the sign language interpreter she was promised. She also claims to have been passed over for promotions, denied transfer requests, and excluded from roundtable discussions.
Was it tokenism? Despite Hall's portrayal of a hostile work environment, her identity as a Black deaf employee was repeatedly featured in Google's diversity and inclusion marketing materials.
In her own words, "Google is using me to make them look inclusive for the Deaf community and the overall Disability community."
Unanswered questions Google has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, contending that the claims were raised too late. However, the tech giant has yet to officially deny the allegations.
The bigger question here is: Is this just a one-off problem, or does it shine a light on deeper issues in how companies handle diversity? Are most orgs really making meaningful efforts, or is it all just for show?
You have biases, and so do I. We all do, it’s part of being human – a clever way for our brains to protect us. But when does bias become bigotry?
Your first thought is unreliable When a situation occurs, our first thoughts and feelings are based on gut instinct, they’re quick and ill-considered, and they often display our biases.
💭 For example, you may see someone in the office and think to yourself “That outfit is not flattering or professional on someone their size”. This fatphobia is a bias.
What's your second thought? It’s often said that our first thoughts are reflections of the world we live in, of our social conditioning, whereas our second thoughts are indicators of who we are as people. Are we doubling down on our biased judgments, opening us up to embodying the definition of bigotry, or are we challenging ourselves and reframing our instinctive positions,
THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING ✨
😴 A mass nap in Mexico
🙅♀️ Smashing preconceptions of down syndrome
🚨 IMPORTANT PSA FOR JOB SEEKERS:
A scam has come to our attention that targets job seekers. Fraudsters may reach out to you impersonating consultants with job opportunities or offers in order to get your personal information or request payment. It's crucial to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any messages you receive. If unsure, always verify the message by secure means, such as a direct phone call to a business' office.
Stay safe! ❤️🩹