Cost of It All: The Impact of Work Culture on Black Women’s Wellbeing (COIA)
Exploring how professional demands impact nourishment, total wellbeing, and identity for Black women
Thank you for your interest and participation
COIA is an independent research study exploring how work environments impact the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of Black women. This survey is intended only for people who identify as Black and as women. If this does not apply to you, we kindly ask that you do not continue. It takes about 7–10 minutes, and all responses are confidential and anonymous. Your insights will directly shape future wellness programming, advocacy, and research designed for Black women.
Eligibility & Demographics
The goal of this survey is to gain insights from participants who identify as Black/African American and as women. This section is designed to ensure you meet the participation criteria and to gather a few demographic identifiers to help contextualize the data.
Do you identify as a woman?
*
Yes
No
Do you identify as Black or of African American descent?
*
Yes
No
Race
*
Black or African American
Multiracial (including Black or African American)
Other
Ethnicity / Cultural Background (Select all that apply)
*
African American
African (e.g., Nigerian, Ghanaian, Ethiopian, etc.)
Afro-Caribbean (e.g., Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, etc.)
Afro-Latinx (e.g., Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Dominican, etc.)
Black European (e.g., Black British, Afro-French, etc.)
Multiracial Black
Other
Age Range
*
Please Select
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Family / Household Composition (Select all that apply)
*
Single
Partnered/ Married
Widowed
Parent
Caregiver
Household Income
Please Select
$20,000 - $39,999
$40,000 - $59,999
$60,000 - $79,999
$80,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000+
I prefer not to say
Region (City, State)
*
Section 1: Work Environment & Behavior
Professional Title
*
What is your current employment status? (Select all that apply)
*
Employed
Contractor/ Freelance
Entrepreneur / Self-employed
Unemployed
Multiple positions
Laid-Off
What level do you identify with?
*
Entry-level / Associate
Mid-level Professional
Manager/ Supervisor
Director/ Senior Leader
C-Suite Executive/ Founder
Occupation Industry:
*
Corporate (Various Industries)
Government / Non-profit
Healthcare
Education
Tourism / Hospitality
Creative / Entrepreneur
Other
What is your current work requirement?
*
Remote
Hybrid
On-Site
Off-Site/ Frequent Commutes during the day
Laid Off
This does not apply to me
Other
How long have you been in your current / previous position?
*
Less than 1 year
1–3 years
4-6 years
7-9 years
10+
On a scale of 1–5, how intense is your average workday?
*
LIGHT
1
2
3
4
INTENSE
5
1 is LIGHT, 5 is INTENSE
How many hours do you typically work a day?
*
8 hours
8-10 hours
10-12 hours
12+
How often do you take breaks away from your desk?
*
Every hour
Once or twice a day
Rarely
Almost never
At work, how often do you feel pressure to “push through” even when tired or unwell?
*
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
Do you feel supported by leadership when it comes to your mental and physical well-being?
*
Yes
Somewhat
No
This doesn't apply to me
How would you describe the level of diversity on your current team or within your organization?
*
Very diverse (multiple identities represented across race, gender, etc.)
Somewhat diverse (a few identities represented, but not balanced)
Limited diversity (one or two individuals from underrepresented groups)
Not diverse at all
Entrepreneur / Contractor / This doesn't apply to me
How would you describe Black women’s representation on your team within your organization?
*
There are multiple Black women in different roles and levels
There are at least two other Black women besides myself
I am the only Black woman on my team
Entrepreneur / Contractor / This doesn't apply to me
Have you experienced microaggressions or biased perceptions at work that affected your performance or well-being?
*
Yes — frequently
Yes — occasionally
Yes — once or twice
I don't know
No, I have not experienced this
Prefer not to say
If you’re comfortable, please share how this experience affected you.
What are three words you would use to describe your current/previous work environment?
Have you ever taken a mental health or wellness leave from work? (not including personal PTO or sick days)
*
Yes
No
Occasionally
I’ve wanted to but didn’t feel comfortable
This doesn't apply to me
Have you utilized your PTO or sick days for mental health reasons?
*
Yes — frequently
Yes — occasionally
Yes — once or twice
No, I only utilize my PTO for leisure
I don't have PTO or sick days, but I take time out to recharge
I have limited PTO or sick days due to team bandwidth, so it's a challenge
I don't have PTO or sick days, so it's a challenge for me to stop and recharge
What work habits or expectations most affect your ability to care for yourself?
Section 2: Promotion, Advancement & Compensation
Do you feel supported by leadership when it comes to advancing within your organization? (promotion, compensation increase, and development)
*
Yes
Somewhat
No
This doesn't apply to me
Are you provided formal annual performance reviews within your organization?
*
Yes
No
This doesn't apply to me
How often do you meet with your manager / supervisor / superior to discuss your performance, development, and advancement within the organization? (Not a formal performance review, this could be a 1:1)
*
Weekly
Monthly
Occasionally
Bi-annually
Rarely
I do not have those conversations with my manager / supervisor / superior
This does not apply to me
In the past 12 months, have you taken on responsibilities beyond your initial job description? (Select all that apply)
New projects
Leadership / Mentorship
Managing Others
Administrative / Operational Tasks
System / Framework Improvements
Client Management
Technical Support
Onboarding New Hires
Training New Hires
Creating Playbooks, SOPs, Protocols
Product Development
DEI / Culture Work
Employee Resource Group Committee
New business development / partnerships
No, I have not taken on responsibilities beyond my initial job description
This doesn't apply to me
Other
Were you compensated (raise, bonus) or given a title change for these added responsibilities?
*
Yes
No
Pending
Did not request
I have not taken on responsibilities beyond my initial job description
This doesn't apply to me
If you were not compensated or promoted, what was the reason? (Select all that apply)
Told no budget
Leadership changes
Told “not enough impact yet”
Told "need more skill development"
I didn’t feel comfortable asking
This doesn't apply to me
Other
How well does your current compensation reflect the amount of responsibility you carry?
*
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Very Well
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Very Well
Does your employer adhere to the current COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) standards?
*
Yes
No
I don't know
Entrepreneur / Contractor / This doesn't apply to me
Have you applied for a promotion or raise in the last 12 months?
*
Yes, approved
Yes, denied
Yes, still pending
No, not yet
No, because I don’t believe it will be supported
This doesn't apply to me
If you applied and were denied, what feedback (if any) were you given?
No clear path to promotion
Budget constraints
Role restructuring
Need Skill Development
Need Leadership Development
No feedback
This doesn't apply to me
Other
What motivates you to seek greater responsibility or advancement? (Select top 3)
*
Higher Compensation
Cost of Living
Career Growth
Increased Leadership/ Impact
Personal Fulfillment
Financial Stability
Preparing for future change
Sole financial provider
Other
In the next 12 months, how likely are you to seek a promotion, raise, or greater responsibilities within your current organization?
*
Very Likely
Somewhat Likely
Unsure
Not Likely
I am done seeking advancement at my current organization
This does not apply to me
In the next 12 months, how likely are you to pursue employment opportunities outside your current organization?
*
Very Likely
Somewhat Likely
Unsure
Not Likely
This does not apply to me
What would make you feel more supported in your career advancement at work?
Section 3: Stress, Energy & Emotional Health
On a scale of 1–5, rate your daily stress level
*
MANAGEABLE
1
2
3
4
HEAVY
5
1 is MANAGEABLE, 5 is HEAVY
How often do you feel physically or mentally drained by the end of your day?
*
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
What are your top sources of stress? (check all that apply)
*
Workload / Deadlines
Work Environment / Team Dynamics
Work Leadership / Managers
Family / Caregiving
Financial Pressure
Health Issues
Social / Emotional Demands
Housing
Other
How well do you feel your professional lifestyle supports your energy and focus?
*
Very well
Somewhat well
Not well at all
How do you typically feel at the start vs. end of your workweek?
What are the first signs or symptoms that let you know you're stressed? (Select all that apply)
*
Sleep issues / disturbances
Mood swings / irritability
Cravings / overeating
Fatigue / Low energy
Loss of appetite
Headaches / physical discomfort
Body / joint aches
Feeling under the weather
Anxiety Increases
Skin ailments
Cortisol Face
Memory Loss
Loss of interest in activities
Social Isolation
Other
Section 4: Nutrition & Eating Habits
How many meals do you eat daily?
*
1
2
3
4+
Do you often skip meals because of meetings or work demands?
*
Rarely
Weekly
A few times a week
Daily
When you’re stressed, how does it affect your eating habits?
*
I eat more
I eat less
I lose appetite
No Change
How often do you eat while needing to multitask at work (e-mail, meetings, calls)?
*
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
How many times per week do you have take-out or fast food?
*
0
1-2
3-4
5+
Do you plan or prep meals for your work week?
*
Yes, regularly
Occassionally
Rarely
Never
How would you describe your water intake / hydration habits?
*
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
What’s your biggest challenge in maintaining a balanced nutrition?
Section 5: Physical Health & Medical Habits
Do you currently have health insurance coverage?
*
Yes
No
Other
Have you ever had to reschedule a medical appointment due to work demands?
*
Yes, regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Have you ever declined follow-up medical appointments due to work demands?
*
Yes, regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
How often do you visit your primary care provider for an annual physical?
*
Every year
Every 2 years
Rarely
It's been more than 5 years since my physical / woman wellness visit
Do you regularly visit other specialists? (OB/GYN, dentist, therapist, etc.)
*
Yes, regularly
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Do you feel your medical providers understand and respect your lived experience as a Black woman?
*
Always
Sometimes
Rarely
Not at all
Have you ever had to switch your medical team or provider because you felt dismissed, gaslit, or not taken seriously?
*
Yes - Frequently
Yes - Occassionally
Sometimes
Rarely
Not at all
How do you typically manage medical symptoms or fatigue?
*
Seek care immediately
Research self-care first
Delay care until it worsens
Ignore symptoms unless severe
Other
What barriers, if any, prevent you from seeking medical care?
Section 6: Wellness & Lifestyle
On average, how many hours of sleep do you get per night?
*
4-5
6-7
7-8
8+
How often do you move your body (walking, workouts, stretching)?
*
Daily
Most days
A few times a week
Rarely
Never
Which wellness practices are currently part of your routine? (Select all that apply)
*
Journaling
Exercise / Body Movement
Prayer / Meditation
Therapy / Counseling
Body-care rituals (skincare, scent, baths)
Prescribed Medication
Supplements
Cannabis / CBD
Nutrition Management
Mindful Alcohol-Consumption
Sobriety
None regularly
Other
How often do you engage in something purely for pleasure or enjoyment?
*
Daily
Weekly
Occassionally
Rarely
Never
How often do you feel emotionally supported by your community or loved ones?
*
Often
Occassionally
Rarely
Never
Which parts of yourself get neglected because of work? (creativity, relationships, rest, joy, spirituality, etc.)
Section 7: Identity & Wholeness
Do you feel you have an identity outside of work?
*
Absolutely
Somewhat
Not really
Not at all
How often do you feel you’re performing versus being your authentic self at work?
*
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
Do you feel your workplace culture encourages authenticity?
*
Yes
Somewhat
No
Entrepreneur / This doesn't apply to me
Section 8: Support, Access & Readiness
What kind of wellness support does your workplace offer? (Select all that apply)
*
Nutrition Education
Wellness Workshops
Therapy Access
Group Coaching
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible PTO
Wellness / Mental Health Days
Health Insurance
Employee Resource Groups (ERGS)
All of the above
None of the above
This doesn't apply to me
Other
What kind of wellness support do you wish your workplace offered? (Select all that apply)
*
Nutrition Education
Wellness Workshops
Therapy Access
Group Coaching
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible PTO
Wellness / Mental Health Days
Employee Resource Groups (ERGS)
This doesn't apply to me
Other
Have you ever worked with a wellness coach, professional fitness trainer, or nutritionist?
*
Yes
No
How likely are you to invest in personal wellness coaching or private wellness programs in the next 3 months?
*
Very Likely
Somewhat Likely
Unsure
Not at this time
What type of wellness resource feels most approachable to you? (Select all that apply)
*
1:1 Coaching
Private Group Programs
Digital Guides
Self-paced Courses
Free Webinars
All of the above
Other
What would make you more likely to invest in your well-being? (Select all that apply)
*
Accountability
Time flexibility
Cultural relevance
Affordability
Education / guidance
Affordability
Free resources
Other
What barriers make it difficult to prioritize wellness support?
Section 9: Reflection & Open Response
What does “taking care” mean to you today?
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with the next Black woman navigating her career and well-being?
Thank you for your participation!
Your time is greatly appreciated. Since this survey is anonymous, upon you submission you will be rerouted to an optional form to provide your contact information to stay in the know about the survey findings and resources available. Your contact information will not be sold to any third-party parties.
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