POC WELL-BEING STUDY

Professionals of Color: State of
Well-Being in the 2025 Workplace

As a Professional of Color, has your workplace experience changed in 2025 with the escalating anti-DEI rhetoric and policies? We want to hear from you!

As a Workplace Ally in 2025, are you committed to supporting your colleagues of color and eager to deepen your impact? We want to hear from you!

MORE INFO

What is this research project?

This is a mixed-methods research study designed to explore the state of well-being of Professionals of Color (POCs) in the workplace, as anti-DEI rhetoric and policies have escalated in 2025.

What are the main phases of the study?

Phase One

Phase One was an in-person focus group on April 17, 2025, held at Association Forum’s offices in downtown Chicago. Participants enjoyed complimentary continental breakfast, courtesy of Nicole Jordan Catering and proudly supported by Choose Chicago.

Phase Two

Phase Two consisted of three virtual focus groups held on:

Phase Three

Phase Three consists of two specialized focus group virtual sessions, to explore each group’s unique experiences & perspectives:

Activated Allies, Friday, 8/15 at 12:30-1:45pm CT
DEI Practitioners, Thursday, 9/11 at 5:30-6:45pm CT

Phase Four

Phase Four, the quantitative segment, will utilize an online survey to gather the workplace well-being experiences of hundreds of Professionals of Color and their allies from across the country. It will launch in early Fall 2025 and run for approximately 3 months.

POC Well-Being Study Purpose and Outcomes

Explore elements of the study in the links below:

POC Well-Being Study Purpose

Eligible Research Participant Qualifiers

POC Well-Being Study Mission

Research Participant Recompense

Activated Allies Research

Expected Outcomes of Research Project

Professionals of Color and Workplace Allies, we want to hear from you! Click the link below to register.

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.

Purpose - Why Now

Dr. Cie Armstead—as a Professional of Color (POC) herself—has launched this project to:

Provide a safe space for you to join other POCs to talk about what’s really happening on the job and how they are navigating these complex workplace cultures.
Hear from you and other POCs on your workplace well-being thus far this year—are you suffering struggling or thriving while at work.
Offer practical tips and self-care strategies POCs you can use to counter the weathering effects of repeated exposure to inequities, macro/micro-aggressions, and other workplace stressors.

Mission - Launched

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.

Activated Allies Focus Group

Workplace Allies are invited to participate in this exclusive research focus group to:

Contribute to groundbreaking research on allyship in the complex 2025 workplace
Share experiences and insights as an ally supporting POCs amidst new challenges
Help shape personal strategies to drive inclusion forward—even as formal DEI structures recede
Connect with like-minded peers striving to make a positive difference

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.)