I was delivering EEOC training when the next slide was Protected Classes. I noticed some quizzical looks and furrowed brows in the audience so I gave a broad definition of Protected Class, and went on to define Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; only the most important federal statute banning discrimination in the workplace. I went on to explain that …
Many years ago I met a co-worker, Terry. Terry was quiet, but friendly enough, a bit of a loner, but social enough. Terry was introverted, but just outgoing enough to be someone to look forward to chatting with. We crossed paths frequently in the kitchen, the men’s room, the elevator, Starbucks, etc. We would chat about everything from food, life, …
I encountered an employee of the Millennial persuasion in the copy room in a state of panic. He was working feverishly to reduce and scan a near mural-size floor plan that had been requested by an executive who sat two floors above ASAP. He was having trouble figuring out how to reduce and email the document expeditiously. With each passing …
A few years ago, I received a crash course in the importance of balancing head with heart when serving employees. As I went about my HR routine, I would engage with a particular employee in polite banter. We commiserated on how we dreamed of retirement, shared a love for southern cooking and travel; and who was serving the best food …
“Work spouse” is a phrase, mostly in American English, referring to a co-worker, usually of the opposite gender, with whom one shares a special relationship, having bonds like those of a marriage. I know this phrase is still considered taboo, but let’s be real, we’ve all used it, and maybe have even had a work spouse. In fact, 23% of …
Growing up, my parents shared many stories of the struggle, perseverance, and the marginalization of black people. My father frequently closed with, “There’s no shame in being black, it just ain’t easy at times.” He wasn’t kidding! I grew up in a society located smack dab in the middle of the land of the free, and home of the brave …
I have known that distinct smell of marijuana ever since I was in middle school. The year was 1975, and I was spending the night at my very popular older brother’s house (known for his infamous parties). I happened upon that plate beneath to sofa that contained, among other things, a pack of funny little thin papers, little round seeds, …
It was 5 minutes until 5:00 pm on a Friday. I was at my desk holding court about where the Sales team was going for happy hour when suddenly the “personnel” lady appeared with a figurative summons for me to appear in personnel court along with a fellow Account Executive. “Why,” you ask? Two weeks prior while in Sedona, Arizona …
Last month the New York City Commission On Human Rights banned discrimination based on hair. My elation that society had chipped away another chunk of the granite mountain that is discrimination immediately turned to shame, as I was left wondering why such a law was necessary in the year 2019 in the first place. This took me back to a …
At age thirteen I was led to an epiphany. The year was 1976, and this is my story – – I was an eighth grader, rocking a pair of light blue converse all-stars, the perfect afro, and living large at Canterbury Jr. High School. That was the year of my (to this day) most infamous encounter with Clifford, a classmate and neighbor, who by that time …
