By now, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace has been well established. To date, gender, race, and ethnicity have been centered, and to a lesser degree, sexual orientation, disability, parenthood, and age have been included. But one factor of identity has largely been left out: socioeconomic class.
How Does Your Company Support “First-Generation Professionals”?
New research looks at the experience of individuals from working-class backgrounds in white-collar jobs.
January 07, 2022
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Summary.
Existing research has shown that moving up the socioeconomic ladder is becoming more difficult, and class bias has been shown to impact lifetime earnings. Few studies have investigated the workplace experience of those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Do wealth differences influence the paths through which people enter and progress through their professional careers? Do patterns of barriers and privilege exist, and if so, what do they look like? To fill this knowledge gap, the authors conducted a study on first-generation professionals (FGPs). Here’s what they learned about FGPs and what company leaders can do to support them.
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.