Summary of We Can’t Talk About That at Work!

Not So Fast

Employers have traditionally discouraged conversations about sensitive topics in the workplace. However, employees will discuss these subjects anyway and are already discussing them, so managers should harness those conversations and encourage employees to hold them in positive, constructive ways. An employer should strive to create a workplace with an “inclusive culture” to foster higher employee engagement.

Shootings by police and attacks against police, border security conflicts, gay and transgender rights, terrorist attacks and political polarization galvanize people. Difficult topics tend to inspire “tribal” responses and people naturally bring their reactions and opinions to work. When they can express these views without penalty in an atmosphere of respect and trust, they perform better. When a company says nothing about tough topics like, for example, prejudice against particular groups or sexual harassment, the silence communicates indifference. When a leader or an organization opens a dialogue, the result can be “cathartic.”  

“Bold, Inclusive Conversations”

Before you encourage bold, inclusive conversations in your ...