The way news moves today (both real and #fakenews) I could write a post a day about how one U.S. company or another screwed up regarding public relations, customer relations, or employee relations. It could be United Airlines - pick one of many reasons - or Pepsi, or Chick-Fil-A. Every day, something. This is not one of those posts. I've been there on more than one occasion, ... Read Full Article
If You Can’t Commit, Just Quit
I have the pleasure of owning my own business. While this comes with a heckuva lot of headaches and anxiety, it does come with some inherent bonuses: I own what I do! I am committed! I am all in! I gave a presentation a few weeks ago in which I talked about my belief that employees need to commit to their organization’s vision and values. I shared my opinion that a ... Read Full Article
Fine, Be a Bigot
It's not often our parents suggest we are anything less than authentic but from time to time back in my teenage years, my mom would tell me, "Heather, you may be the devil's spawn but for God's sake, quit acting like it!" She was, of course, suggesting that I present a kinder, more gentler me. Perhaps she hoped if I acted like a nicer person, I would eventually become one. I ... Read Full Article
Inspired by Hate
Hatefulness Unprofessionalism Those are hardly inspirational words, but they inspired this post. Recently, I concluded a workplace investigation that despite all the discriminatory allegations, counter claims, and retaliation complaints thrown around, what it boiled down to was there was a lot of hatefulness (feelings) and oodles of unprofessionalism (behavior). Hatefulness ... Read Full Article
Turns Out, There Is Political Discrimination and Harassment Too
Seven or so years ago, I was asked to teach a course for a client regarding discrimination and harassment prevention. They had offices outside of Alaska so I researched EEO issues in those states in order to update my workbook materials. My research quickly revealed an addition to my list of protected classes: Political Ideology When I saw those words, I rolled my eyes. You ... Read Full Article
June Office Blues
And now the fun begins. No matter where you are in the US, summer is slowly starting. In my region an unseasonably rainy May kept us at bay, the swimming pools not used, basketball courts empty and only the most intrepid runners facing Spring showers. But the sun has returned and the air is full of the sounds of the season. At the office too we notice the forlorn looks of ... Read Full Article
I’m Sorry HR But Like Public Enemy Said: “Can’t Trust It”
It was a typical day. I was driving along listening to the Backspin channel. Reminiscing, rapping, and relishing a time when rap music had meaning. “Can’t Truss It”, by Public Enemy came on, so naturally, I felt it necessary to match the energy of Chuck D and Flava Flav and rap along. As is the norm, paying more attention to the beat, I wasn’t tuned in to the true meaning of ... Read Full Article
Calmer Heads Prevail in Complex Employee Situations
There are a few different profiles when it comes to organizational risk as it pertains to Employee Relations. You have the organizations that slap-happy risky. These are the companies that do whatever they want without regard for consequences. They expect employee claims and suits to come against them, but that doesn't move them much. Often times, these companies have money - ... Read Full Article