Everyday micro-affirmations

Microaffirmations are small, often subtle, actions or statements that express inclusion, respect, support and appreciation to friends and colleagues, particularly those underrepresented groups.  

They can help create a positive and inclusive environment and can counter-balance the negative effects of microaggressions. 

There are three types of micro-affirmations: 

1. Verbal affirmations: Expressing gratitude, recognising achievements, or providing positive feedback. 
2. Nonverbal affirmations: Smiling, nodding, maintaining eye contact, or other gestures that show engagement and respect. 
3. Behavioural affirmations: Inclusive practices, such as ensuring everyone has a chance to speak in meetings, mentoring, or advocating for diverse representation. 

By incorporating micro-affirmations into everyday workplace interactions, individuals and practices can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and positive environment, helping everyone to feel valued and respected.  

Managing diversity is a core leadership skill for practices. Effective leaders should be able to demonstrate how they manage and celebrate diversity by creating a culture of active belonging. Here are some ways to foster this positive working environment through micro-affirmations: 

Active listening can be demonstrated through: 

• good eye contact 
• open and welcoming body language  
• acknowledging what is being said – summarise the statements back to them 
• asking questions to ensure understanding 
• remember details and recalling individuals’ contributions 
• giving every individual attention and time 
• proactively inviting individuals to the conversation to ensure everyone is building relationships 

Recognising and affirming emotional reactions 

Leaders in a workplace may find it helpful to go even further by identifying, validating and responding positively to experiences. This can include: 

• explaining what, why, and how 
• expressing care about the impact of the event and demonstrating a willingness to look at productive paths forward 
• acknowledging achievements of individuals 
• verbal recognition when an individual has experienced something exciting, frustrating, hurtful, etc. This allows the conversation to focus on turning those feelings into actions that will empower, heal, and encourage learning 
• ensure you are giving individuals the attention and time they need to share their experiences 
• encourage and invite individuals to share their experience with others