by Race in the Workplace special correspondent Erica Mauter

Discomfort at Work: Workplace Assimilation Demands, Social Equality, and the Contact Hypothesis - Social Science Research Network
From the abstract: “To date, scholars and courts have framed the workplace assimilation debate largely in terms of individual interests: on one side sits the employer’s interest in easing customer or co-worker discomfort with difference, and on the other side sits the employee’s interest in being saved the identity, time, and economic costs involved in complying with behavior requirements that are drawn along a white, male norm. This Article reframes the debate by considering how workplace assimilation demands impact the end-goal of antidiscrimination law - social equality.” (via Workplace Prof Blog)

Incompetent people may have no idea - Ask a Manager
“[I]t reinforces the idea that you must be explicit with employees who aren’t meeting your expectations — particularly about the severity of the problem and what the possible consequences could be… So managers should commit to saying the words, ‘I must warn you that your job is in jeopardy if you don’t improve.’”

A misogynistic workplace is bad for male employees too - British Psychological Society Research Digest Blog
“Male and female employees who said they had witnessed either the sexual harassment of female staff, or uncivil, rude or condescending behaviour towards them, tended to report lower psychological well-being and job satisfaction. In turn, lower psychological well-being was associated with greater burn out and increased thoughts about quitting.” (via Bob Sutton)

Women Get Better At Forming Networks To Help Their Climb - WSJ.com
“A women’s network has emerged in the corporate world that is working to counter the old boy’s club. Its members, who include a fresh crop of female executives as well as corporate veterans, are helping one another advance and succeed — and on their own terms.” (via The Job Blog)

What To Do When The Recruiter Calls! - Employment Digest
“In any career it’s important to know what’s happening in your industry, who is hiring, who is expanding, and who is leaving. Job opportunities in the hidden job market could potentially leverage your career. So your first choice is not to limit your options. If your decision to say ‘no thanks’ to the recruiter you just limited your options. And in taking this action you denied yourself access to potentially important career information.”

There is no such thing as positive or negative feedback. - Slacker Manager
“The positive or negative impact of feedback is based less on what we say than on our reasons for saying it and how we say it. The person receiving feedback can always use the feedback in a constructive manner.”

Recommended Reading is a weekly feature where we link to some of our favorite workplace-related blog posts and articles. If you would like to suggest a link to Erica, please email tips@raceintheworkplace.com