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I would not engage in that. Not a conversation with my colleagues, thankfully. It’s not the place to talk about it.
I agree. I try not to engage. It doesn't end well.
I communicated with our Women focused ERG and asked what they would like to do as a group. This could include such things as training, making a donation, statement from the ERG, etc. Did the same approach for LGBTQ+ discrimination and laws. It’s a good approach to creating a more inclusive environment. That’s one of the key distinctions between HR and DEI. DEI is to support people and encourage the business to be involved in these types of discussions. People support orgs that take a stand. They want to use their dollars to support and work for those orgs. HR wants to stray from the acknowledgment of issues affecting their employees because it makes work harder? Imagine how hard life is if your colleagues are not allowed to voice anything unjust that affects you?
*from!
Edited to add:
This topic is definitely not appropriate *to debate in a work setting.
I agree!!
Human rights aren’t appropriate to discuss in a work setting? Cool response dude.
Rising Star
OP, I didn’t say abortion is a DEI “issue.” From what comment of mine are you inferring that? If you actually read what I wrote, I explicitly said that DEI has nothing to do with picking sides and everything to do making sure everyone has the opportunity to be heard and truly listened to. It means letting go of the assumption that your lived experience is the only source of truth. It means having EMPATHY. It sounds like you have none for people who don’t hold the same opinions as you. Is that why these conversations make you uncomfortable and you find them “distracting?”
Depending on the nature of your work this topic may or may not be appropriate. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that the decisions and opinions of your staff are respected. Whatever that may be. When the discussions impede workflow and become a distraction, speak to that, that what’s occurring is a distraction and maybe create an alternative outlet for staff members and teammates to discuss their opinions; either at an event you put together or just respectfully in the break room.
For example, discussing the topic during an all staff meeting or sending articles and CC'ing the entire team.
Rising Star
If a company speaks out about other "polarizing issues" they should speak out about this one too. 70 to 80 percent of the US is pro choice to varying degrees. Half the population = people with uteruses. I don't get why this one is any more "controversial" than other human rights issues 🙄
No, please don't twist my words. To me, they are equal in nature. You see a fetus as unborn, I see him/her as a living being.
Simple, don't engage... I come to work to work.
My employees are engaging though. And as HR Manager, I have to address it if it's distracting from the work we're coming to do
Echoing one of the things that's already been said — if workflow is being disrupted, speak to that. If someone is being hostile or disrespectful, address that as you would them being disrespectful about anything else.
Additionally, I recommend coaching your team to check in with one another before bringing up a topic such as Roe. At the height of the BLM protests, I told our employees that it was okay to talk about things but that not everyone is emotionally or mentally prepared to have those conversations at work. The same goes for this topic. It isn't respectful to bring up topics that can cause emotional distress or even trigger panic because of past experiences in a space where anyone can hear them. Ask first, and be prepared to hear no.
Got it, great practical feedback!!
When the Covid vaccine was first released, we had some people in my office with very strong beliefs on either side. After I witnessed one flare up I sent out a company-wide email notifying everyone that all conversation in the office must be professional and outbursts won’t be tolerated.
How was this recieved?