For many professionals, especially those of us from diverse backgrounds, the ascent up the corporate ladder often comes with a hidden cost: the "Code-Switching Tax." We subtly adjust our language, appearance, and behavior to fit into professional environments that were not initially designed for us. Data supports this feeling: a survey found that 34% of Black employees report code-switching, with a staggering 44% believing it is essential for their career survival.
This issue extends beyond mere "professionalism"; it significantly impacts your mental health. Research from Cornell University's ILR School links constant self-monitoring to considerable burnout and psychological fatigue. Not surprisingly, Hue's State of Inequity report shows that 40% of BIPOC employees feel exhausted or burned out due to their workplace environment.
The temptation to seek peace is a constant whisper. But I asked myself: What if the answer isn't to leave my industry or role? What if one could find well-being by staying and re-engineering the very environment that can exhaust them?
The pivot: from code-switching to culture-shaping
I reached a point in my career where this question became personal. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on renowned brands like Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Clorox, Burt’s Bees, and Oscar Mayer, but depending on where I was in my career journey, the "tax" could feel too costly. Conventional wisdom suggested I look for an exit. Instead, I realized I didn't need to leave to find fulfillment; I needed to build it right where I was and transition from a passive employee to an active shaper of culture.
Fast-forward to today, and this realization manifests in my role at Highwire. As a VP of Social Media, my role is to amplify voices, both for our clients and our internal teams. And I have the privilege of being co-lead of "For The Culture," our Employee Resource Group (ERG) focused on BIPOC. This is not just a side project for me; it represents a clear commitment to many of my colleagues.
This is the essence of "Intrapreneurial Wellness": a journey of creating meaningful change from within, aligning your company's goals with your personal values.
The business case: community as a success strategy
This journey from frustration to fulfillment is not just a feel-good story; it presents a solid business case. Companies are increasingly recognizing that creating spaces for belonging is a vital strategy for retaining talent, and the statistics are compelling.
We’ve seen what a strong community looks like at companies like Netflix, where ERGs don't just host mixers; they are integrated into the business strategy, helping ensure everything from the content to the marketing and cultural narratives reflects a diverse global audience. This means ERGs directly influence the product and brand experience.
Similarly, at Microsoft, employee resource groups move beyond what one might consider "HR-related tasks" to drive measurable change, such as when their LGBTQI+ ERG, GLEAM, successfully advocated for inclusive changes to company policy.
A McKinsey study on ERGs found that employees who believe their ERGs are effective are significantly more likely to feel included (83% vs. 59%). And if not addressed, BIPOC professionals in advertising, marketing or sales roles are three times as likely to report feeling exhausted or burned out due to their workplace compared to their white counterparts, according to Hue's data. This directly influences an organization's bottom line and ability to grow.
Deloitte's research on workforce experience indicates that organizations with active employee communities experience double-digit increases in employee retention, driving business success. Ethnically diverse companies are also 36% more likely to outperform their peers financially.
Your roadmap to Intrapreneurial Wellness
You don't need an executive leadership title to start making a difference. You can discover your purpose wherever you are in your professional journey. Here's a simple roadmap to get you thinking:
Identify the gaps: Look around your workplace. Hue's data indicates that 32% of BIPOC professionals feel unable to speak out against discrimination. Begin by identifying a specific area where your voice can push back against what feels like silence.
Leverage existing resources: Join an ERG, a mentorship program, or an impact-driven committee. Use these resources not as "extra work," but as launchpads to build the community you need to thrive professionally.
Align your role with your values: Find ways to integrate purpose into your daily work. As a social media lead, I’ve leveraged my expertise to create more inclusive work and help shape the brand narratives for Highwire and our clients. View your role as a vehicle for the change you wish to see.
Redefining success
For too long, we've defined success by titles and salaries, often at the expense of our well-being. It's time to redefine success as the alignment between what you do and who you are.
You don't always need to quit your job to recover from burnout or discover your calling. You hold the power to transform your environment. You might be surprised to learn that the art of staying lies in realizing that your most significant contribution can reshape the place you already inhabit.
