Space and grace, why workplace wellbeing fails, lululemon sued for DEI program, and new workshop.

Plus: Take our free conflict competency assessment to reimagine friction in the workplace.

Author

Nicole Cardoza
November 19, 2024

News and insights to reimagine how we work and thrive

Space and grace. Those are the two words I’m using most in conversations this week – with my loved ones, my colleagues, and my clients.

Many organizations are struggling to contextualize their work for the years ahead. Others are facing tougher questions about their equity and inclusion initiatives. Many are also trying to grapple with creating safer spaces for their employees in the face of graver threats. All of this is weighing heavy on so many of us in this work, and I’m sending you a giant virtual hug.

Here are three quick ways to create space and grace at your organization:

  1. Send a note of support to the leaders of your ERGs

  2. Create a nonpartisan discussion circle to talk through feelings about the election

  3. Remind employees of what mental health support is available through the organization’s wellness plans or employee benefits

I hope you’ve got your own practice to create space and grace for yourself, too. Let me know if our team can help address tension, hold space for listening, or help foster vulnerability-based trust. I’ve added one more workshop to the end of year schedule (based on popular request!) and another Office Hours for those that have learned with us before.

Take care,

Nicole

Founder, Lead Facilitator

Effective Facilitation (self-paced)

Start today, learn anytime
This workshop teaches practical techniques for leading inclusive workplace discussions and difficult conversations. Participants will learn and practice skills to create equitable environments through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies.
Enroll >

Conflict Evolution

Tuesday, December 10 | 3-5p EST
Go beyond conflict resolution and apply a culturally-responsive, inclusive framework to navigating challenging conversations, mediating tense scenarios, and fostering understanding with opposing viewpoints.
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Power + Privilege

Tuesday, December 4 | 3-5p EST
Dissect power, privilege and their application in the workplace, and apply tangible tools and skills to promote allyship and foster a greater sense of belonging.
Enroll >

A graphic of several people working on laptops surrounded by green leaves. Source: Reclamation Ventures

Here’s why workplace well-being programs don’t achieve better outcomes. New bodies of research indicate that well-being programs are failing, in part, because they focus on individual solutions rather than the broader systems that affect workers (surprise, surprise). Harvard Business Review >

10 California employment law changes to know about for 2025. The Golden State has made changes to requirements for wages, sick leave and captive audience meetings. HR Dive >

Trump just won the presidency. Here’s what it means for DEI. Based on his previous approach to labor, workers and economic policy, here’s what HR and employers can expect from a second Donald Trump presidency. HR Dive >

Here’s the white male CEOs that made money off of DEI. White men make up the majority of 28 chief executive officers who were paid bonuses for meeting their company’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals last year. Bloomberg >

Six experts share what the election means for workplaces. Experts discuss workplace impacts of a potential Trump presidency, advising companies to maintain DEI efforts, protect workers amid deregulation, support caregivers, and communicate clearly. Time >

Trump's anti-DEI brigade prepares to take power. President-elect Trump's initial Cabinet picks show he's moving swiftly to implement the anti-trans, anti-DEI and anti-social justice agenda he promised. Axios >

’Tis the season to reflect on your professional relationships. Here are three easy steps to take advantage of the momentum of the holidays to foster deeper connections that carry into the new year. Harvard Business Review >

Lululemon sued over diversity program (but not how you think). The company and its officers are facing a shareholder suit in federal court alleging that the company’s failure to adopt a workable diversity program caused its stock price to plummet, as it misrepresented the organization’s actual commitment to the work. Bloomberg Law >

Amazon makes it harder for disabled employees to work from home. A new ‘multilevel leader review’ process has prompted concerns that affected corporate workers will give up and quit. Bloomberg >