Code Switching Explained

Code Switching relates to the adjustments that individuals do to appease others and avoid discrimination. It includes altering the way one speaks, looks and behaves in certain situations, including in the workplace. Research suggests that people of colour often Code Switch in environments where biases can be perpetuated if they don’t behave or perform in a certain way.  

In the workplace, as explained in the Fawcett Society and The Runnymede Trust report: “A person of colour might switch the way in which they speak, express themselves in meetings and interact with colleagues in order to appear more palatable.” Code Switching involves Mental Gymnastics – exhausting and rapid thought processes that are performed almost without thinking.