AS A PROFESSIONAL OF COLOR, HAS YOUR WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE CHANGED THIS YEAR?
Professionals of Color: State of
Well-Being in the 2025 Workplace
For many Professionals of Color, navigating the 2025 workplace feels like an endless maze.
Your voice matters!!
This study explores a simple question: How’s your well-being on the job been this year, as an anti-DEI climate has escalated?
Share your feedback via a short anonymous survey.
All respondents receive free access to a professional development webinar ($50 value) and other incentive gifts.
By lending your voice to this research, you’ll help yourself and other POCs excel in 2026!
Incentives to Participate
Everyone who submits a completed survey receives:
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Free Professional Development Webinar ($50 value): “POC Workplace Well-Being” webinar on Jan. 30, 2026
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Free Entry into Well-Being Gifts Drawing ($25 - $150 value): Gifts include “Trap Snatch® for The Culture” card came ($40 value), professional coaching sessions ($75-$150 value); e-gift certificates to businesses sustaining their DEI Commitment ($15-25 value), and gifts from Etsy produced by vendors of color ($15-25 value).
Why is this research project being conducted now?​
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​Since 2025 started, anecdotal indicators suggest that many (POCs) have begun to experience heightened challenges in their workplaces significantly due to the increased rhetoric and policies against diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Owlservations, LLC, a boutique career service firm, is conducting this research to hear directly from POCs about their well-being in their current work environment.
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This mixed-methods research project will produce findings to help POCs identify strategies to continue excelling in their careers.
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The research results will also inform the support POCs receive from their supervisors, senior leaders, coaches, and other allies.
POC Well-Being Study Purpose and Outcomes ​​
Explore elements of the study in the links below:
YOU are at the center of this STUDY!
Submit your survey today & Invite another POC to submit, too!
Who can participate in this new research project?
Anyone who self-identifies as a Professional of Color and is currently or has been employed in any type of organization in 2025. The research is exploring the workplace experience in 2025, and thus, the self-employed or unemployed would not be eligible for this study.
(The other active Owlservations research study is open for any professional of color to participate. Learn more about that study here.)
What are the expected outcomes from this research?​
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Developing evidence-based information on the realities POCs are facing in their professional and personal lives related to the anti-DEI climate in society and in many work environments.
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Identifying strategies for POCs to continue excelling in their careers, especially as their workplace cultures may become less favorable and welcoming.
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Understanding of the current needs of Professionals of Color, which can be addressed by supervisors, senior leaders, service providers, coaches, allies, and other resources.​​
Dr. Cie Armstead—as a Professional of Color (POC) herself—has launched this project to:
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Provide a safe space for Professionals of Color (POCs) to express themselves and tell their own stories.
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Hear directly from POCs on what they need to navigate challenging workplaces and to excel in their careers.
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Position her firm, Owlservations, and other career service providers to best serve Professionals of Color​.
Professionals of Color, we need your voice in this study!
Take 10-15 minutes to submit your survey today!
What are the main phases of the study?
Phase One
Phase One consisted of an in-person focus group, held in April at Association Forum’s offices in downtown Chicago. Participants enjoyed complimentary breakfast, courtesy of Nicole Jordan Catering and proudly supported by Choose Chicago.
Phase Two
Phase Two consisted of four virtual focus groups for Professionals of Color held in May and June.
Phase Three
Phase Three featured a specialized focus group for Activated Allies held in August.
Phase Four
Phase Four is a online survey to gather the workplace well-being experiences of hundreds of Professionals of Color from across the country. It is deployed from Nov. 4 through Dec. 21.
Final Phase
Final Phase will publish the research findings through various media. This phase will kick-off with the “POC Workplace Well-Being” webinar on January 30, 2026. All study participants will gain complimentary access to the webinar ($50 value).
Who can participate in this new research project?
Anyone who self-identifies as a Professional of Color and is currently or has been employed in any type of organization in 2025. The research is exploring the workplace experience in 2025, and thus, the self-employed or unemployed would not be eligible for this study.
(The other active Owlservations research study is open for any professional of color to participate. Learn more about that study here.)
What are the expected outcomes from this research?​
-
Developing evidence-based information on the realities POCs are facing in their professional and personal lives related to the anti-DEI climate in society and in many work environments.
-
Identifying strategies for POCs to continue excelling in their careers, especially as their workplace cultures may become less favorable and welcoming.
-
Understanding of the current needs of Professionals of Color, which can be addressed by supervisors, senior leaders, service providers, coaches, allies, and other resources.​​
Incentives to Participate
Everyone who submits a completed survey receives:
-
Free Professional Development Webinar ($50 value): “POC Workplace Well-Being” webinar on Jan. 30, 2026
-
Free Entry into Well-Being Gifts Drawing ($25 - $150 value): Gifts include “Trap Snatch® for The Culture” card came ($40 value), professional coaching sessions ($75-$150 value); e-gift certificates to businesses sustaining their DEI Commitment ($15-25 value), and gifts from Etsy produced by vendors of color ($15-25 value).
Why is this research project being conducted now?​
-
​Since 2025 started, anecdotal indicators suggest that many (POCs) have begun to experience heightened challenges in their workplaces significantly due to the increased rhetoric and policies against diversity, equity, and inclusion.
-
Owlservations, LLC, a boutique career service firm, is conducting this research to hear directly from POCs about their well-being in their current work environment.
-
This mixed-methods research project will produce findings to help POCs identify strategies to continue excelling in their careers.
-
The research results will also inform the support POCs receive from their supervisors, senior leaders, coaches, and other allies.