Early this month, Politico released that the U.S. Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights. Since then, discussions and debates regarding abortion rights have been the center of attention throughout social platforms. If the ruling is reversed, access to abortion will most likely be banned or severely restricted in most states.
Let’s take a step back and recall the origin of Roe v. Wade. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled out a law in a case called Roe v. Wade. This is the case that legalized abortion in the United States. When the case began in 1970, Jane Roe, a name used to protect the identity of Norma McCorvey, instituted federal action against Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, Texas, where Roe resided. However, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed with Roe’s statement of the right to terminate pregnancy in any way and time. They then attempted to balance a woman’s right to privacy with a state’s interest in regulating abortion.
Ever since the ruling established the right to abortion, politicians have enacted dangerous restrictions that make getting an abortion nearly impossible for many people. Cases since then have included Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992), Gonzales v. Carhart (2007), Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt (2016), June Medical Services L.L.C. v. Russo (2020).
As a business owner, you may have questions as to how you should handle conversations about political issues in the workplace. Research shows that 92 percent of workers have witnessed or have been a part of unthinkable conversations. It is your job as a business owner to ensure a civil work environment where all employees feel safe. You should provide support on how employees can have conversations about politics in a respectable manner. No matter what you may think of a particular topic, a good starting place is to reach a common ground. Below is a list of ways you can restore peace and ensure a civil environment in the workplace:
- Focus on company values
- Practice the skill of active listening
- Address expectations
- Hold training sessions
- Provide resources to employees
- Lead by example
How A PEO Can Assist With The Training Of Your Employees
Working onsite is more complex than ever before. Business owners and HR professionals must be more strategic in their approach to ensuring a safe place for their employees. Political discussions are a complex topic but taking proactive steps to help facilitate a respectful environment is encouraged. Partnering with GMS will provide you and your business resources to facilitate a safe workplace for your employees. GMS offers online employee training programs that can assist in handling controversial conversations in the workplace. Contact us today!