Reference: Bhattacharyya, B., & Berdahl, J. L. (2023). Do you see me? An inductive examination of differences between women of color’s experiences of and responses to invisibility at work.Journal of Applied Psychology, 108(7), 1073–1095. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001072 Ever felt like people didn't notice you at work, even when you were right there? This feeling of being unseen or forgotten happens more often to women, especially women of color. Psychologists studied how women of color feel and respond when they experience this invisibility at work, They interviewed 65 Canadian and US women of color from different backgrounds. Results? Women of color described feeling invisible in different ways. Some felt forgotten, yet others liked feeling equal, without any unique qualities. Some felt others perceived only their race or ethnicity, while others felt pressured to act more like white people to fit in. Reactions varied. Some blamed themselves and felt ashamed. Others felt angry, wanting to speak up. But many felt stuck and unsure how to respond. Some hid their differences to blend in, while others chose to confront the issue head-on. Understanding how women of color experience invisibility helps us see their challenges and how they cope. Let’s take time to appreciate diversity. Recognize the value of every individual, learn about other’s uniqueness, and make supportive workplaces for everyone.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.