Workplace Activism with CEDR & Linklaters
In today’s evolving workplace, employee activism is reshaping the dynamic between organisations and their teams. In this insightful discussion featuring CEDR Head of Marketing, Ben Thomson, Linklaters Senior Practice Development Lawyer & Co-Head of Diversity Faculty, Laurie Ollivent and Linklaters Partner Nicola Rabson, discuss what it is, why it’s gaining traction, and how businesses can navigate this complex landscape.
Key Takeaways for Leaders and Teams:
💡 Understanding Activism: Explore the roots of workplace activism and whether it’s truly a new trend or an evolution of employee expectations.
💡 Heightened Expectations: Learn why employees increasingly expect companies to take a stance on social issues.
💡 Drivers of Activism: Discover the factors encouraging employees to voice their values and concerns in the workplace.
💡 Practical Solutions: Gain actionable advice for managers, from handling grievances effectively to creating policies that foster open dialogue.
💡 Positive Engagement: See how embracing workplace activism can strengthen teams and drive initiatives like DEI.
💡 The Role of Mediation: Understand how facilitated discussions and mediation can transform workplace challenges into opportunities for growth.
00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - What is workplace/employee activism?
04:22 - Is workplace/employee activism a new phenomenon?
05:32 - Is there a heightened expectation around what companies should be doing?
07:23 - What are some of the factors that encourage employee activism?
10:47 - How to advise businesses around engaging with this challenging area?
13:08 - Managers need to be better equipped to deal with grievances before they escalate
13:56 - The risks of leading with policy
15:30 - What good can come from engaging positively with workplace activism?
20:17 - DEI initiatives and how it acts as a catalyst for workplace activism
21:55 - How can mediation help in instances of workplace grievances?
23:41 - Listening up is just as important as speaking up
27:34 - Setting up facilitated discussion sessions
28:42 - Practical tips for leaders on workplace activism
Learn about the rise of employee activism, the shortcomings of traditional responses and how to take an integrated approach to disputes and dialogue.