In late June, I spoke at SHRM’s annual conference in Chicago where more than 25,000 people were in attendance. A major theme of the event, and recent SHRM initiatives, addressed workplace civility. As this topic has been integral to my work and passion for the past 40+ years, I was excited to see it getting so much attention. My session, entitled Teaching Big Shots to Behave — Before It’s Too Late, focused on workplace civility as a key ingredient for addressing unacceptable behavior from leaders and others who are often treated as immune to standards that apply to everyone else. I’ve been wri ..read more

Last month, I spoke at the 75th SHRM conference, which, as always, was energizing and well run. There were more than 23,000 people in attendance, which I think is a record. What will stick with me most about the conference, however, is the realization that there is a strong parallel between what conferences like this try to achieve and what the attendees of SHRM are likely attempting to do inside of their organizations: bring together people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs in pursuit of common goals. In my own presentation, I tried to support this message by focusing on three themes: You ..read more

Continuous learning is a critical component of building a successful and inclusive workplace. While monthly awareness campaigns like Pride Month and Juneteenth provide opportunities to reflect on the experiences of others, true inclusion requires an ongoing commitment beyond singular learning events. In this blog post, we explore the value of creating a continuous cycle of learning and how it can transform workplace cultures throughout the year. Fostering Inclusion Starts with Human Capital Not all diversity and inclusion training is created equal. Fostering a culture of inclusion within organ ..read more

Imagine this conversation: Doctor: “We’ve reviewed the tests; our findings are in line with all of the other opinions. You need this operation. Without it, your life is at risk.” Patient: “This is exactly what I’ve been told; I did my research and know you’re the best. Just one question: How long will it take to perform the surgery?” Doctor: “The operation will last 3 hours.” Patient: “Sorry, I’m too busy. I can only give you 2.” I’ve never heard of a conversation like this. But when it comes to suggesting learning experiences for busy professionals, executives, and other leaders on topics suc ..read more

Despite a heightened awareness of systemic inequalities driving the demand for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training in the workplace, many studies have shown that it often has little impact on organizational culture change. This is because employers often treat DEI training as an event that employees have to suffer through — enroll, check the box and you’re done. That kind of exercise may satisfy an employer’s training attendance and even demonstrate rote compliance with some applicable legal requirements — but in no way is it satisfactory to help change engrained cultural practices ..read more

As 2022 starts, so does a new year of employee compliance training deliveries. Now is the time for organizations to consider how to make the time and expense invested in learning and time off the job be as productive and useful as possible. My prediction, though, is that all too many will stick with the status quo, deploying learning characterized by mounds of information and directives, documenting attendance and leaving it at that. These sorts of rollouts may help limit claims and even wipe out punitive damages. Too often, though, they won’t stop offenses from occurring, or from being addres ..read more

The ELI blog provides a variety of helpful resources that address uncivil behavior and ideas for you to consider when cultivating a healthy environment in the workplace. As we kick-off a new year, here’s a countdown of ELI’s Top 5 Blog Posts for 2021: 5. How to Maintain Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment [6 Tips] In 2020, the shift to remote work was abrupt and caught most organizations off guard. At the time, managers and company leaders rightly focused on the immediate needs of making sure employees had access to files and could communicate. Today, as some employees return to the o ..read more

ELI President and CEO Stephen M. Paskoff, Esq. was recently featured on the HCMx Radio podcast. During the episode, Mr. Paskoff was interviewed by Brandon Hall Group COO, Rachel Cooke and the focus of the interview was Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace. Below is a summary of the discussion. RACHEL: Stephen, can you share a little bit about your background and why you’re an expert on the subject of diversity, equity and inclusion? STEPHEN: I believe in civil rights and equal employment opportunity. I was an investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission when I was ..read more

As employees return to the workplace and the country tries to regain a sense of normalcy, issues surrounding vaccination status and covid-related work changes such as masking have quickly become charged for employers. The debate has roiled organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to city police departments, and even the NBA. With the topic continuing to heat up, vaccine mandates in the workplace and employees’ vaccination status, among other issues, have become a new dividing line in a culture that is rife with divisions. Legality of Vaccine Mandates: A Shift of Regulations The immedia ..read more

Last month, I spoke at the 75th SHRM conference, which, as always, was energizing and well run. There were more than 23,000 people in attendance, which I think is a record. What will stick with me most about the conference, however, is the realization that there is a strong parallel between what conferences like this try to achieve and what the attendees of SHRM are likely attempting to do inside of their organizations: bring together people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs in pursuit of common goals. In my own presentation, I tried to support this message by focusing on three themes: You ..read more