I recently spoke with Christopher “CJ” Gross about his forthcoming book, “What’s Your Zip Code Story?: Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace.” Gross is a Washington D.C.-based author, speaker, and consultant in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI). His book is due to be released on May 20.
Socioeconomic class adds a new dimension to the many DEI programs. What inspired you to write this book?
I read an article “Why Companies Should Add Class to Their Diversity Discussions” that explored the need to add class-based bias into our diversity and inclusion conversations. It was a real eye-opener that got me thinking about my own background and story, which eventually led to my research, and inspired me to write this book.
As I describe in the book, 97 percent of people from working-class backgrounds believe that their background affects their work experience, yet this is a subject that most consultants aren’t talking about.
I suspect that some executives might worry that could be like opening a Pandora’s Box. How do you go about initiating that dialogue with your clients?
We create a discussion group that includes people at all levels in the organization. This is not a training group, it’s a discussion ― a dialogue. It starts with a discussion around the different components of class in an equitable and inclusive way. One of the things we talk about is what does it mean ― or feel like ― to be excluded and why. That leads to exploring how class bias can affect employee performance and the overall company performance.
As I describe in the book, 97 percent of people from working-class backgrounds believe that their background affects their work experience, yet this is a subject that most consultants aren’t talking about.
How have participants reacted to those discussions?
It’s been amazing. Almost everyone can recall a time in their life when they felt excluded or didn’t belong, and people have a visceral response to that. When people feel excluded in the workplace, it can stifle innovation. People won’t speak up when they feel their ideas will just be dismissed if they aren’t in the inner circle.
Healthcare is one of the biggest breeding grounds where class bias can show up.
Does this issue have implications in healthcare beyond the interpersonal workforce relationships?
Healthcare is one of the biggest breeding grounds where class bias can show up. You have employees and patients with all levels of education, income, and backgrounds. The perception of class or status can unconsciously influence how healthcare professionals treat each other and how they relate to and treat patients, and this can affect the patient quality of care, outcomes, and satisfaction.
What do you hope the main takeaway from the book will be?
Everyone has a “zip code story,” and all stories are important. We are less likely to have bias when we understand another person. From a talent management and leadership perspective, we need to leverage those stories, and leverage the unique genius we have within our organizations, so that we are not hemorrhaging talent and ideas.
