Some issues that lead to a toxic workplace can affect just about anyone — like interpersonal hostility, lack of work-life balance, sexual harassment and burnout, just to name a few. But for some individuals, like older workers, people with criminal backgrounds, veterans, and those with disabilities, their daily struggles at work can feel almost invisible to those not in their shoes.
That’s why SHRM launched a new national ad campaign highlighting the struggles and limitations of disadvantaged groups in the workplace. By spreading awareness of toxic workplaces, unfair biases, and sources of tension and discrimination, SHRM hopes to spark important conversations about changes needed in the modern workplace.
In the commercials, professionals of varying backgrounds are faced with increasingly low ceilings, demonstrating the limits and challenges that many professionals are faced with. The spot debuted January 13 on major networks like CNBC, CNN, ESPN, Fox Business, Fox News and MSNBC. The ads are narrated by SHRM president and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP.
As an organization, SHRM has been fighting for equal treatment in the workplace for many years now. The “When Work Works Against You” ads are the next step in SHRM’s effort to inspire employers to create welcoming cultures where all employees can thrive.
“This ad represents the importance of inclusion in the workplace, and it is a challenge to workplace leaders to think differently about hiring and empowering employees,” said Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at SHRM. “We will continue elevating the HR profession and pushing the envelope in our ad campaigns in a bold new way because our workplaces need it and our members are best positioned to make workplaces better while improving lives.”
SHRM and the SHRM Foundation have created tools and resources to help employers hire veterans, older workers, people with disabilities and people who were formerly incarcerated. The Foundation offers a Veterans at Work Certificate Program that focuses on best practices to attract, hire and retain these individuals.
Please check out the new video and share with others in your network!
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Learn more about SHRM’s Veterans at Work program.
