Workplace Racism's Biopsychosocial-Economic Impact on Black Professionals: A Mixed Methods Study

Workplace racism is a significant and under-recognised determinant of mental health disparities among Black professionals (Greenberg et al., 2021; Nguez, 2024).

This project will deploy a mixed-methods approach to investigate the biopsychosocial and economic impacts of workplace racism on Black professionals in the UK. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, it seeks to explore the mental health challenges, professional setbacks, and coping strategies associated with workplace racism. 

Findings will inform culturally relevant early interventions to reduce disparities and foster resilience, particularly among young Black professionals entering the workforce. Rooted in intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989) and the social model of mental health, the study aligns with the Grand Challenge’s strategic goal of promoting prevention and early intervention for mental health equity. Current anti-racism strategies, guided by the Equality Act 2010, include developing organisational policies, such as Employee Assistance Programmes, promoting open dialogue about race, and mental health campaigns. However, these efforts often lack cohesion, cultural relevance, and the capacity to address systemic racism comprehensively. This study adopts a biopsychosocial-economic framework, which recognises the interconnected roles of biological, psychological, social, and economic factors in shaping mental health outcomes