Peacekeeping in Polarized Times: HR's Role in Navigating Political Debates and Triggering Topics
Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
In today's digital age, social media and misinformation have intensified political discussions and triggering conversations in the workplace. Contentious and hostile conversations often overshadow the beauty of diverse opinions and jeopardize inclusive workplace cultures. While engaging participants actively, we'll explore the challenges and solutions of navigating sensitive discussions using hands-on exercises. Attendees will gain a comprehensive guide to establishing respect, setting boundaries, and balancing personal beliefs and a respectful work environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Strategies to Navigate Complex Conversations: Equip HR professionals and leaders with tools and techniques to manage situations where political discussions veer into uncomfortable or potentially harassing territories.
- Understanding the Importance of Respect and Inclusion: Participants will learn about respecting diversity of opinion while ensuring a respectful and inclusive workspace.
- Role of HR in Guiding Discussions: Equip managers with the skills to be mindful of their conversations and understand the influence of their authority.
- Setting Boundaries: Participants will learn strategies to set clear boundaries, encouraging employees to avoid potentially triggering topics and ensuring no one is forced into uncomfortable discussions.
- Legal Landscape of Political Discussions at Work: An overview of how the First Amendment interacts with private workplaces and the role of the National Labor Relations Act in workplace discussions about wages, hours, or working conditions.
Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.
Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.
Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.
Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Bernadette Jones

Bernadette Jones is a trailblazing HR leader with over 20 years of experience crafting "Culture-First" solutions across diverse organizations. As Human Resource Committee Chair at Richmond Art Center and Professional Development Chair for SHRM Northern California, she champions intentional inclusion and culture-first practices. Bernadette's innovative "Respect in the Workplace Starts With Me®" workshop series addresses crucial compliance and cultural issues. With SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, she brings deep HR expertise to her roles. Bernadette's leadership in Visionova's participation in SHRM's National HR Registered Apprenticeship Program demonstrates her commitment to nurturing HR talent and enhancing workplace environments. Her work connects over 27,000 HR professionals across 16 SHRM chapters in Northern California.
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