Racism is a reality that permeates various areas of society, and the corporate environment is no exception. Despite advances in diversity policies, many workers still face racial discrimination in companies.
That is why I decided to write this article to explore some data, show some recent cases and highlight the importance of combating racism in organizations. I hope you enjoy it!
The persistence of racism in the workplace
According to data from DIEESE, black workers in Brazil receive, on average, considerably lower salaries than white workers, even when they occupy equivalent positions.
In addition, informality disproportionately affects the black population: around 47% of black workers are in informal jobs, compared to 32% of white workers. It is not just a question of numbers.
A recent survey revealed that 60% of black professionals have already suffered prejudice at work, while 67% believe they have lost opportunities due to their skin color.
These data highlight the structural inequality that still needs to be addressed. In addition, there are still cases of blatant racism within companies.
Recent cases that shocked Brazil
In 2024, a cook reported in Magazine Luiza after receiving an email containing racist insults. In the case of Zara, a black police officer was prevented from entering a store, and the manager was indicted for racism.
The murder of João Alberto Silveira Freitas in a Carrefour store in 2020 was a landmark that led to protests and deep reflections on structural racism.
These cases not only highlight the seriousness of the problem, but also show how companies can face financial, legal and image repercussions when they do not treat the issue seriously.
The responsibility of companies
Combating racism is not only an ethical issue; it is also a strategic necessity. Consumers are increasingly aware of corporate stances, and companies that fail to promote diversity face boycotts and damage to their reputation.
Some organizations are taking the lead in promoting racial equality. In 2024, seven Brazilian companies received the first national certification for their racial inclusion policies.
Initiatives like this demonstrate that it is possible to create more diverse and inclusive work environments. How? In short, it is possible to adopt:
- Training and awareness: promote anti-racist education programs for employees and leaders;
- Inclusion policies: establish goals to increase the hiring of black professionals in strategic positions;
- Monitoring inequalities: conduct internal audits to identify and correct disparities in pay and opportunities;
- Support for reporting: create safe channels so that victims of racism can report cases without fear of retaliation.
I conclude this article by saying that racism in companies is not an isolated problem, but a reflection of historical and structural inequalities in our society.
Combating this reality requires continuous action, commitment and courage to face the problem head on. As leaders, employees or consumers, we all have a role to play in building fairer and more inclusive environments.
