The study conducted by Coqual found that 40% of Hispanic and Latino/a professionals in corporate America felt it was necessary to change aspects of themselves to succeed at work. This feeling of pressure to hide their authentic selves and heritage highlights the hurdles that Hispanic professionals face in the workplace. The study was based on a survey of over 2,000 US-based employees and interviews with Hispanic and Latino/a professionals and experts, revealing the challenges they face in their careers.
Despite the fact that Hispanics and Latinos make up 19% of the US population, they only represent about 8% of the professional labor force. Within corporate America, only 10% of managers and 5% of executives identify as Hispanic or Latino/a. This lack of representation is evident throughout the careers of Hispanic professionals, who often find themselves stereotyped, overlooked, or underappreciated. Many professionals recounted experiences where they were mistaken for cleaning staff or expected to assimilate to office norms by sponsors or champions at work.
The study found that Hispanic and Latino/a professionals are 41% more likely than White professionals to plan to leave their companies within a year, with more than a third actively looking for a new job. These findings suggest that many younger professionals may be hardest for employers to retain if their pathways to success are not widened. With Hispanics and Latinos making up the majority of new workers in the next decade, it is crucial for companies to address the dissatisfaction and lack of growth opportunities faced by these employees.
The study also highlighted generational differences in the experiences of Hispanic professionals in the workplace. While older professionals may have concealed their ethnicity to advance in their careers, younger professionals are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere if they feel overlooked or undervalued. It is important for all leaders to consider the impact of diversity and inclusion on the next generation of Hispanic professionals and work towards creating a more inclusive work environment.
Coqual suggests several ways in which employers can improve the work experience for Hispanic and Latino/a professionals, including redefining professionalism, rewarding linguistic diversity, and fostering conversations about race and ethnicity. The think tank also recommends increasing diversity, strengthening sponsorships of Hispanic professionals, and supporting affinity groups within companies. By taking these steps, employers can create a more inclusive workplace where Hispanic and Latino/a professionals feel seen, accepted, and appreciated for their skills and talents.
