The Woes of Working

Yesterday we discussed harassment and discrimination in the workplace in context to our individual free speech rights. Tension saturated the dialog due to the sensitive and complex nature of our topic. Whenever religion, sexual orientation and identity collide there is sure to exist deeply rooted emotions.

In the text, "Outspoken" a fireman wished to read Playboy at the firehouse in which he worked and spent the majority of his work and free time. A female employee there was offended and according to the new policy, Playboy was not to be permitted in the firehouse. This lead to a series of messy litigation and personal attacks. I agree with Dave that often a more human method of solving problems would be to work out differences in a private communication session led by a conflict resolution professional. Although to me Playboy is not offensive, historically sexism has existed in the firehouse for decades so the changing shape of the workforce may ruffle the feathers of those already accustomed to power. Our seminar discussion was thoughtful and colorful. Many perspectives were explored.

The case of the employee at HP posting biblical scripture was even more heated. I feel that the diversity campaign posters were perhaps not the best possible way to extend the agenda of multiculturalism in the work place, but that does not excuse the employee's motive to disturb his homosexual coworkers. Again, in a perfect world this conflict could have been solved through communication and thoughtful dialog but unfortunately messy litigation ensued and the fundamentalist Christian employee was fired after twenty one years of service. No one wins when people's feelings are hurt and yet in the corporate world the well being of employees has not been treated as a priority.