03/14/2022
If leaders aren’t talking about social class at work, they’re “missing a big piece of the puzzle,” warns diversity and inclusion consultant Gross in this original if unfocused guide. Gross asks both employees and leaders to reflect on their “zip code stories,” or the childhood experiences and cultural norms that reflect their class. Working-class employees can struggle to adapt to corporate culture, he writes, and to succeed, these “class migrants” must “expand zip code story” by finding a mentor and building relationships with their colleagues. As for business leaders, Gross recommends creating formal mentorship programs (don’t just meet for lunch; involve mentees in meetings and calls) and encourages businesses to add class to their DEI initiatives via some standard methods (incorporating inclusion into evaluations and measuring diversity classes) as well as some original ones, like hiring from outside of the typical universities. It’s a much needed conversation starter about class in the workplace, but some sections meander, anecdotes occasionally feel shoehorned in, and some discussions—as with bias and equity—wind up feeling cursory. The idea has potential, but the execution doesn’t quite land. (May)
This timely and important book by my colleague, CJ Gross, brings a fresh and innovative perspective to our nation’s current discussion on issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. Even with the growing national awareness of the critical need for greater diversity and inclusion in our nation’s institutions, the oversized role that a mere zip code has played in a person’s life is all too often omitted from this conversation. From the very beginning of our nation, a person’s place of birth has had a profound impact on almost every aspect of their opportunities in life. Drawing on his own life experiences, as well as the experiences of others, CJ speaks to this critical reality. He does so by not only providing organizations with tools and strategies to help facilitate a more inclusive and equitable workplace, he does the same for his fellow “class-migrants” who are looking to climb the social and workplace ladder. For everyone who is a stakeholder in the diversity and inclusion discussion, this is a must-read book!
What's Your Zip Code Story? shows why it's important to include class in your diversity initiatives, not because class is more important than race but because you won't be able to effectively recruit and retain people of color without addressing class as well as race—and because first-generation professionals of all races are, in effect, migrating from one class culture to a different one. This book will help.
[H]is book engagingly addresses why social class matters in the workplace. Beginning with his own story, Gross provides numerous examples of how social class impacts every area of life and offers suggestions for class migrants to successfully move up the ladder. He also coaches managers on how to retain employees with different class backgrounds. Filled with stories, the book addresses topics such as workplace bias, the power of belonging, mentorship, and the integration of social class into diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. Written in a simple, easy-to-read style, this book provides organizations and migrants with strategies for thinking about class and race in their places of work. Recommended. All readership levels.
A TEDx speaker, consultant, and founder of a minority-owned consulting firm, Gross goes beyond class and society and takes a deep dive into zip-code stories— evidence that where you live influences your quality of life and the opportunities you’ll have. He examines topics like racial disparity, workplace culture, and other boundaries that define who we are because of where we live. Chapters cover tips for managers and class migrants, the power of belonging, mentorship, and more. The book is punctuated with interviews from people across the U.S. to highlight such revelations as fewer than 60 percent of first-in-family college students complete their degree because of lack of support and understanding from family. Gross challenges readers to recognize their own zip-code stories and how they shape their views of others. Additionally, he encourages us all to talk to one another about our backgrounds and beliefs to develop empathy and relationships. Emigrants, workplace-diversity-and-inclusion leaders, college students, and those interested in social justice will be drawn to this book.
This timely and important book…brings a fresh and innovative perspective to our nation’s current discussion on issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. From the very beginning of our nation, a person’s place of birth has had a profound impact on almost every aspect of their opportunities in life. Drawing on his own life experiences, as well as the experiences of others, Gross speaks to this critical reality. He does so by not only providing organizations with tools and strategies to help facilitate a more inclusive and equitable workplace, he does the same for his fellow “class-migrants” who are looking to climb the social and workplace ladder. For everyone who is a stakeholder in the diversity and inclusion discussion, this is a must-read book!”
