The Class Divide in the Workplace and Its Implications
Many D&I conversations focus on race, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and generational issues. Class is usually at the bottom of the list or not on the list at all. According to a Harvard Business Review article titled, “Why Companies Should Add Class to the Diversity Discussion,” “97% of individuals from working-class background report that their social class background affects their work experience.” This session will explore the class divide in the workplace and its implications for diversity and inclusion. Class migration has been ongoing for hundreds of years. It has become a phenomenon over the last 30 years with the increase of college graduates from working-class families. In addition, it will explore class migration and the challenges it poses in the workplace. This eye-opening session will help you to identify class migration challenges and identify class bias.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the implication of class for diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.
- Identify the eight elements of class.
- Gain awareness of conversations about class.
- Learn new strategies to mitigate class bias.
Christopher CJ Gross
Christopher “CJ” Gross is the author of the best-selling book What's Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace and the highly acclaimed Harvard Business Review article, A Better Approach to Mentorship. He is a TEDx Speaker and founder of Ascension Worldwide, a firm dedicated to DEI and cultural transformation consulting based in the Washington, D.C. area. CJ has 20-years of experience as an international organizational development consultant specializing in leadership development, and DEI transformation. CJ is a certified Social + Emotional Intelligence coach, trainer, Keirsey Temperament professional, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator.