Australia is highly diverse, with a mix of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions across its population. However, navigating the Australian workforce as a migrant or person of colour can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Many migrants face deep, often invisible barriers in their careers—tied to race, identity, and cultural understanding. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, many migrants and people of colour are pushing through. They are breaking boundaries and creating spaces where they belong.
A Personal Journey of Overcoming and Thriving
When I first came to Australia, I thought my qualifications from a top university and international experience would help. However, despite my experience, I faced rejection again and again. I applied for over 200 job applications but found no success. The common reason? I did not have “Australian experience.”
As a result, the rejection was a harsh wake-up call for me. I reached out to a mentor who had succeeded in Australia. In turn, he taught me how to navigate the unspoken expectations of the Australian workplace. I learnt the power of networking and building relationships. I also learned how to make my skills visible within the Australian work culture. Eventually, I found a job, but my journey did not get any easier.
Like many new migrants, I also faced the reality of being undervalued. I was also overlooked for promotions and opportunities, where managers favoured others despite their strong performance reviews. There were moments of exclusion. For instance, my colleagues would attend social gatherings which I couldn’t attend for cultural and religious reasons. At these events manager also made decisions about events, leaving me unable to provide any input. Thus, I found myself left out of key conversations that shaped my team’s future.
At that time, I did not know that what I was experiencing was bias or discrimination. Now I can put a name on it. Nonetheless, through all this, I learned that these struggles are part of the story that many migrants and people of colour. We are often working harder and facing more obstacles. But, at the same time, we’re showing the world our strength and resilience. We are showing our ability to adapt and thrive in spaces that weren’t always built for us.
The Real Struggles Migrants Face in Australian Workplaces
- Being Seen but Not Heard
For instance, many organisations hire migrants and people of colour to meet diversity quotas. Yet, they exclude them from meaningful conversations. Even when organisations aim to be inclusive, they fail to provide safe avenues for diverse voices to contribute. According to the Diversity Council Australia’s (DCA) report, Inclusion@Work index 2023-2024, workplace diversity has increased in Australia. However, meaningful inclusion is still lacking for many people of colour. Some of them are feeling they are being “seen but not heard” in decision-making spaces. - Overcoming Unconscious Bias
Unconscious bias forces migrants to work harder. They must prove their worth twice as much. In fact, despite excellent qualifications, migrants may be overlooked for roles due to assumptions about their cultural background or accent. The Anti-Discriminatin New South Wales reports, 2023, highlights how unconscious bias continues to hinder the professional growth of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals. This is because some employers unconsciously favour candidates with more “familiar” backgrounds. - Microaggressions and Tokenism
At times, the challenges are subtle. For example, it could be comments that make you question your place in the room. Being asked where you’re really from or assumed to be the ‘token’ person can erode confidence and belonging. McKinsey & Company‘s 2020 report (Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters) reveals that microaggressions often lower job satisfaction and increase turnover rates among diverse employees. - Lack of Cultural Understanding
Migrants often navigate workplaces that lack understanding of our cultural backgrounds. As a result, this lack of awareness leads to social and professional isolation and exclusion. Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusion@Work Index showed 2021-2022 showed that workplaces with a higher cultural understanding and diversity have more successful outcomes regarding employee retention and satisfaction. - The Silent Barriers of Networking
People often see networking as a natural part of career progression, but for many migrants, it’s not so easy. Many of us migrants do not have access to the same informal networks or social circles that our colleagues do. Since many countries do not prioritise networking, migrants are not familiar with its intricacies. This puts them at a disadvantage regarding career growth and visibility achieved through networking. The Career Seekers reported that migrants face primary challenges like a lack of Australian work experience (65%) and limited local contacts or networks (31%). - Struggling to Balance Identity
Many of us face the challenge of assimilating into a predominantly Western workplace. We do this to fit in. Balancing who we are and workplace expectations can be exhausting. It leaves us questioning if we must change to succeed. Many migrants feel forced to “code-switch“. That means that they feel they have to change their behaviours or language to fit in. It, in turn, affects their mental health and career satisfaction. - Representation and Opportunities for Growth
The lack of visible role models in leadership positions makes it hard for us to envision what’s possible. It’s often a battle to prove that we, too, can thrive and contribute at the highest levels. According toIPAA, there were 21% of Australia’s population was born overseas. However, only 11% of CALD staff held senior leadership roles. - Feeling Invisible in Decision-Making Spaces
People often have conversations and make decisions that shape our teams and workplaces outside of work hours, at events or gatherings we aren’t always included in. This can make us feel invisible, as though we have no voice in the direction of our own careers. A Beyond the Pale report by The Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Human Rights Commission and the University of Sydney, 2018, suggests that although diversity is growing in Australian workplaces. However, it also noted that the lack of true inclusion and participation in decision-making still limits CALD employees’ ability to shape their professional futures.
Turning Struggles into Strengths: Our Collective Power
The challenges we face are real, but they don’t define us. We are resilient, adaptable, and capable of creating change in spaces that weren’t built for us. By coming together, sharing our stories, and supporting each other, we can amplify our voices and ensure that workplaces and societies reflect the diverse talents, backgrounds, and experiences we bring.
For Migrants and Allies: How We Can Create Change Together
- Commit to Inclusion, Not Just Diversity
True inclusivity means creating environments where everyone’s voice is heard and every contribution is valued. Diversity is just the first step; inclusion makes a workplace thrive. Organisations like The Australian Human Rights Commission highlight that fostering an inclusive environment is essential to breaking down barriers and empowering people from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential. - Build Cross-Cultural Bridges
It’s essential to foster understanding between cultures. Engaging in cross-cultural training or mutual learning sessions through cultural events breaks down stereotypes and creates deeper connections across diverse groups. RMIT University‘s studies show that organisations with robust cross-cultural training see an increase in collaboration and creativity, leading to better outcomes for everyone. - Mentorship and Advocacy
We all need mentors who understand our journey and can guide us through our challenges. As advocates, we can step up. We can ensure that people of colour are given the mentorship, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. Diversity Council Australia Cracking the Glass Ceiling emphasises that mentorship plays a key role in breaking the glass ceiling for CALD employees. It can guide them through workplace challenges. - Strengthen Networks
For example, building inclusive networks where people from all backgrounds can access the same opportunities and resources ensures that no one is left behind. These networks help create pathways for growth, learning, and career progression. Australian Human Rights Commission’s Leading for Change emphasises how accessible networks help with career advancement. - Embrace Our Stories and Experiences
Our lived experiences are powerful. In fact, by sharing our stories, we create connections, spark empathy, and raise awareness about the unique challenges people of colour face. Our strength lies in our collective voice. According to McKinsey & Company (Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters), diverse teams that are open about their experiences and challenges are more innovative and resilient.
Together, We Can Thrive
As migrants and advocates, we are a powerful force for change. Indeed, we have the ability to break down barriers, shift perceptions, and pave the way for future generations to thrive in truly inclusive workplaces. Our journeys might be challenging, but they are also full of opportunity. Let’s continue to build spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, can succeed, feel seen, and make a lasting impact.
Let’s create a future where the workplace truly reflects the richness of our diverse world.
