During their strategy off-site, the executives at a global retail organization turn their attention away from the strategic plan to address a thorny issue. A junior employee has started vociferously criticizing, in meetings and on Slack, the organization’s commitment to sustainability objectives. The executives’ conversation has been precipitated by months of behind-the-scenes questioning by this person and others. In fact, senior leaders are concerned that this group is on the verge of speaking up publicly about their disappointment, highlighting what they perceive to be a gap between what the company espouses and what it actually practices. Within the executive team there is a divide: Some want to shut the employee down while others want to invite them into the strategic discussion.
Mariaelena Caputi
A Leader’s Guide to Navigating Employee Activism
How companies can choose when — and whether — to act on employees’ concerns.
February 06, 2024
· Long read
Summary.
With employees increasingly speaking out on political and social issues, the authors use their research on activist voices in the workplace to suggest three ways organizational leaders can determine if and how to respond. First, it’s important to understand the range of responses available and their pros and cons. Second, you should consider five factors that will help you decide whether it’s appropriate and productive to step in. Finally, give yourself permission to pause. Together, these strategies will help prepare you for the next time you’re challenged by employee activists.