What is a Liberatory Workplace?

Building Trust, Wellbeing, and Equity at Work

As we built SJP to advance racial and social justice in our communities, we first looked within our organization to envision what this looks like from the inside out. We created a vision for our team culture that we call Liberatory Workplaces. This model seeks to create an environment where every team member can fully participate, be genuinely valued, and be well.

A Liberatory Workplace is an organization that consciously divests from white supremacy culture and challenges dominant workplace norms. Instead, it embraces a culture of appreciation, trust, wellbeing, and liberation. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can show up fully, enabling them to contribute powerfully to the organization and the world at large.

This concept is a cornerstone of the work we do as a team and one that we share with our community. Our online courses, Liberatory Workplaces and Liberatory Leadership provide aspiring leaders to executive directors with the tools they need to cultivate such an environment.

Tackling White Supremacy Culture at Work

The Liberatory Workplaces model addresses the pervasiveness of white supremacy culture in the workplace. This culture often manifests in oppressive workplace norms that can stifle diversity, creativity, and individual genius. By recognizing and countering these norms, organizations can begin to foster a liberatory culture that encourages staff to thrive.

Building Trust and Wellbeing

A key part of the liberatory workplace model is building trust among team members. This trust stems from a culture of appreciation where individual contributions are recognized and valued. Additionally, liberatory workplaces put a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing. They implement policies and build cultures that place value on the team's physical, mental, and emotional health.

Nurturing Individual Genius

Liberatory workplaces also focus on nurturing individual genius by creating structures and staff roles that allow each person's unique skills and strengths to shine. This approach not only boosts individual job satisfaction but also contributes to the collective wellbeing of the team.

Invest in Your Professional Development

For those interested in learning more about this transformative model, join our Liberatory Workplaces or Liberatory Leadership course. These courses are designed to support your growth as a leader, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create a more equitable and justice-centered workplace.

The concept of Liberatory Workplaces is a powerful tool for any organization seeking to advance social justice from the inside out. By understanding and embracing this model, leaders can create a work environment where everyone has what they need to contribute and be well.