AAPI Workplace Challenges

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. This month-long observance is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of AAPI individuals to American history, culture, and society.

Approximately 9 million AAPI individuals work in the United States making up 6.1% of the total U.S. workforce. Asian Americans are often spoken of as if they were a monolith - a single, uniform body. The Asian American population evolves over time: a mixture of residents with familiar roots in Asia and U.S. foreign Asian Americans, the population is still growing and diversifying. The implications of ever shifting demographics for understanding Asian Americans are significant. A growing, ethnically mixed population defies a single characterization. Viewing Asian Americans as a uniform group and focusing on overall outcomes obscures the differing experiences and outcomes of subgroups. It's time to recognize this diversity within the Asian American population.

There are several work challenges that AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) people are facing in U.S. workplaces:

1. Stereotyping and discrimination: Many AAPI individuals face stereotyping and discrimination in the workplace due to their ethnicity, accent, or cultural differences. One major stereotype is the myth of the “model minority”. The idea of Asian Americans as a model minority has existed for decades. For example, Asian Americans are perceived as successful and the term is used to contrast them with other people of color. When applied to Asian Americans, the concept also extends to often harmful stereotypes that relate to upbringing, genetic myths like a predisposition to strength in STEM, and weakness or lack of interest in skills such as assertiveness, communication, and leadership.

2. Lack of representation: AAPI individuals may feel isolated and underrepresented in positions of leadership or management, which can impact their opportunities for career advancement.

4. Language barriers: A significant number of AAPI individuals may not speak English fluently, which can hinder their communication and ability to collaborate with their colleagues.

5. Micro-aggressions: AAPI individuals may experience subtle but hurtful comments or behaviors from their coworkers, which can create a hostile work environment. It is important for employers to address and mitigate these challenges through policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

We need to go beyond festivals and celebrations and have courageous conversations with our AAPI colleagues and friends. Consider hosting a lunch and learn session to educate employees on the challenges listed above, as well as others. Learn about the rich and diverse cultural heritage of AAPI community, with roots in over 20 countries, including China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Samoa, and Tonga. Throughout history, AAPI individuals have made significant contributions to many fields, from science and technology to art and music. Like most minority groups, the AAPI community has faced discrimination, racism, and hate throughout history, with a recent surge in hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to use this month as an opportunity to not only celebrate the achievements of the AAPI community but also to raise awareness of the issues they face and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, let us remember and honor the contributions of the AAPI community and work towards creating a more just and equal world for all.