How to Thoughtfully Prepare for #BlackLivesMatter & #AllLivesMatter in the Workplace

A talk by Jill Koob, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Founder & President, Energize HR

June 18, 2020, 1:00 pm CT

It's been seven years since the #blacklivesmatter hashtag was born. Three words full of potential for progress that offer a bite-sized rallying cry for a gargantuan problem.

Three words born out of the tragic loss of life, over and over again; Three words packed with passion, conviction, purpose and.... for some, polarization.

Whether our leaders are ready for another crisis, or not, we must talk about the Elephant in the room.

Acknowledging racism, clarifying your company's policy, and educating employees that disagree on that company policy is requred if we are to tackle the discord, as it enters the workplace.

Discussion Points:

How might HR prepare managers to compassionately respond to the conflict between the hashtags #AllLivesMatter and #BlackLivesMatter in the workplace?

How might we educate one another on the white vs. black issue, and get a real grip on our biases?

Just as HR had to mindfully respond to the #MeToo movement, HR must lead the way to a conscious awakening of the racism and our cultural discord in the workplace.