What Black Lives Matters Means for the Workplace

Posted on July 16, 2020 in Consulting

We all watched the media coverage of protests following the tragedy in Minneapolis. For a few days, the focus shifted from the pandemic and attention was devoted on a very different struggle in America. In the weeks that followed, I spoke with many clients who report how social conflict has bled heavily into the workplace. Outstanding employers will distinguish themselves in these challenging times by taking bold steps. Here are three simple suggestions:

1. Ban Certain Words

I have written and reviewed countless policies on harassment and discrimination. Honestly, I wish I had addressed this long ago. Every employer should have zero tolerance for the use of racial epithets. No excuses, no exceptions.

2. Meaningful Orientation & Explanation of Rules

Employers need to spend quality time explaining rules to new employees and articulating new rules to all employees. Nothing good comes from sliding an employee handbook across a conference room table and instantly receiving an acknowledgment page. Few employers walk through and explain a handbook with a new hire. We instead assign the handbook out as if leisure reading. With the environmentally friendly move towards web-based policies, we no longer even witness the exchange of acknowledgment for handbook. A few clicks on a computer and the rules are allegedly covered.
Businesses can improve their workplace if they just spent 10-15 minutes explaining EEO policies, rules, and consequences of misconduct.

3. Do the Right Thing: Recognize Juneteenth as a Paid Holiday

It’s well past time we respect African-Americans and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday and a work holiday. The emergence once again of our country’s struggles with race relations makes it all the more important that employers take this simple step.

4. Upcoming Webinar

Join me for a webinar on Thursday, August 6 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss Race Relations: What Black Lives Matters Means for the Workplace. I will present my practical guidance on how employers confront and address the racial tensions that have emerged once again in our country.

Please feel free to send me questions or topics you would like discussed. I will also try my best to entertain questions submitted during the webinar.

I look forward to seeing you on August 6 to work through tough issues and develop practical solutions.