Consulting Psychology Journal, Vol 77(1), Mar 2025, 49-72; doi:10.1037/cpb0000279
Building effective and inclusive workplaces in Canada requires addressing the intersectionality of identity in the workplace, including consideration toward how racism impacts experiences in that context. This article examines how racism, especially toward Arabs and South Asians, influences their experiences in the workplace and the ways the workplaces can strive to be more inclusive. The study utilized a qualitative framework to conduct semistructured interviews and a survey. Groups approached included South Asians, Arabs, and others, as we wanted to understand how others perceive South Asians and Arabs in the workplace and can support inclusion. Data analysis entailed a thematic analysis that incorporated a literature review to develop a theoretical framework around three central themes: intersectionality, othering, and internalized racism. These themes were further refined as participants described additional understudied aspects of identity that influence workplace experience: status in Canada, parenthood, cultural background, and language. Experiences of othering, both internalized and external, were also identified as contributing toward a welcoming versus unwelcoming workplace. The findings indicate that there is ongoing racism, discrimination, and marginalization at Canadian workplaces toward people identifying as South Asian and Arab but also broadly toward people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, compounded for those who are women or parents or both. However, the findings also contribute valuable insights into ways to intentionally create workplaces for people to express and share their identities and be supported in addressing the challenges these identities create. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)