Hello Lancaster SHRM!
The dog days of summer are here, and it feels like many of us are searching for some respite. Whether it is the heat, humidity, political climate, stress at work, or the challenges of home and daily life, pressure is mounting.
These pressures amplify in the Human Resources field as we HR professionals find ourselves at a critical juncture. The recent mantra from employers has been to encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work. Simultaneously, leaders and managers have inspired and empowered employees to voice their opinions. This shift has led to a unique juxtaposition: fostering a culture of openness and authenticity while managing the complexities that arise when employees express themselves on contentious issues, often unrelated to work.
HR leaders are tasked with navigating this new terrain particularly on topics like politics, social justice, and personal beliefs. To ban these discussions is not only impractical but also legally risky, so HR professionals are challenged to find a balance.
LSHRM’s upcoming Fall Legal Conference will explore strategies for HR professionals to serve as a beacon of civil discourse, promoting respect and understanding across diverse perspectives. This includes understanding the legal landscape and avoiding potential pitfalls with the sage advice of Jonathan Segal, a partner at Duane Morris LLP in the Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group.
Join us on Friday, September 20th at the IU13 to learn how to navigate these challenges and build a harmonious workplace where employees feel heard and valued, without compromising the company’s inclusive and respectful culture.
Stay cool! As always, I look forward to seeing you soon!
My best,
Jen