Four in five Black communications professionals experience indirect racism in the workplace
A report out today by the UK Black Comms Network in partnership with PR Week and Opinium to understand the lived experience of Black communication professionals has found that four in five (82 per cent v 84 per cent in 2020) Black and Mixed-Black communications professionals continue to experience microaggressions, including indirect or subtle racial discrimination at work. This has ranged from being mistaken for a junior member of the team or administrative support to being silenced in brainstorms and pitches and only considered to have valuable insight when it comes to diversity issues.
The UK Black Comms Network aims to increase the number and seniority of Black communications professionals. Its latest One Step Forward Two Steps Black report found that as well as Black employees finding themselves being pigeonholed, the gateway to senior leadership roles is blocked with almost half (46 per cent) of Black and mixed-race communication professionals not receiving a promotion in their previous position.
However, this is not due to a lack of talent or ability but how Black professionals’ contributions are recognised. The research found that Black talent is more likely to receive a pay rise (14 per cent) but without the accompanying promotion (6 per cent) in recognition of their work. As a result, we see experienced professionals in junior roles with elevated pay.
The other challenge to progression cited by many respondents was that, regardless of their experience, they did not have many opportunities to be client facing or have access to senior leaders. Equally, when it came to promotion, some were concerned that factors outside of their control were given as the reason they were unable to secure a promotion.
The combination of limits on work opportunities and the subsequent reward and recognition means that only three in ten (29 per cent) believe that they could become the most senior communicational professional in their company. This is up from a fifth (21 per cent) four years ago but suggests that there is more to be done to improve the talent pipeline.
In fact, over two-thirds (68 per cent) of respondents have considered leaving the industry with a third citing the lack of transparency around progression as a key factor and 14 per cent referring to their experience of unaddressed indirect discrimination creating an unwelcoming workplace culture.
Kamiqua Lake, CEO, The UK Black Comms Network said:
“When we established the Black Comms Network, the ambition was to no longer exist ten years later. However, our latest research shows that, sadly, little has changed for Black and mixed-race talent since we first started this survey four years ago, with many feeling that the communications industry does not represent a long-term career option.
“In order for meaningful change to happen, senior leaders need to adopt a strategic approach – as they would for a client pitch or campaign - to attract and retain Black talent. Culture change can’t happen overnight, but reviewing current reward systems to ensure they are transparent and consistent – and ensuring that development opportunities are available to all would enable agencies and in-house teams to better capitalise on the skills and knowledge of their existing Black talent.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For images, media queries or more information please contact:
Head of PR & Communications
Addy Frederick
07500171810 | media@blackcommsnetwork.co.uk
About the survey
The survey was responded to by 170 Black and Mixed-Black PR professionals across the UK, between the age of 18 and 65
We collected responses from a statistically significant sample of Black or mixed Black heritage professionals between 31st May and 28th June 2024
Key headlines:
Workplace culture
As of 2024, two-thirds (67%) of Black and Mixed-Black communications professionals surveyed reported that, as new hires, they felt the need to tone down their personalities to fit into the workplace environment.
Work remains a hostile place for Black people in PR and Comms Promotion and progression feel like a pipe dream for Black comms pros
Four in five (82%) Black and mixed-race communications professionals continue to experience indirect racial discrimination at work.
65% ignore microaggressions and racist comments
Over two-thirds (68%) have considered leaving the PR industry
Progression, Promotion & Pay
Almost half (46%) of Black and mixed PR professionals reported not receiving a promotion in their previous position.
Only three in ten (29%) feel that they will likely become the most senior communications professional in their company
Black talent are more likely to receive a pay rise (14%) than they are to receive a promotion (6%) which is the gateway to senior positions
Industry Awards
(78%) of Black and mixed PR professionals agree that industry awards lack diversity
Meaningful industry initiatives, recognition and tailored support make a difference
77% industry initiatives eg: BCN
76% diversity across board members
69% invitations to senior level events 68% mentoring/ coaching/ sponsorship
Recognition, Training & Support
Meaningful industry initiatives, recognition and tailored support make a difference
77% industry initiatives eg: BCN
76% diversity across board members
69% invitations to senior level events
68% mentoring/ coaching/ sponsorship