Federal Election Campaign Act and NLRB Crossover: How to Manage Politically-Charged Workplace

Why Should You Attend:

The presidential election is both dividing the country and also reflects the division in the U. S., and therefore dividing the workforce. Employers need to be cautious regarding discussing politics in the workplace except in certain states. Political speech at work should fit into an organization’s diversity and inclusion strategy. Written political statements on clothing also needs to be recognized in the organization’s dress code.

• 35% of employers openly share their political views with employees
• 36% of employees discuss politics at work
• 23% said it led to heated discussion or an argument
• Only 25% of organizations have a written policy on political activities.
• 80% of employees believe it would be illegal for their employers to terminate them for engaging in political speech at work.

If political speech isn’t handled well by the organization, it risks not only lawsuits, but absenteeism and turnover. Political speech at work is more complex than we likely have given consideration.

This webinar will discuss why political speech should be an important element of your organization’s diversity and inclusion initiative and how organizations will benefit from getting a strong handle on the complexity with this 2016 presidential election.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• To understand the practical impact of the new SCOTUS regime.
• What every employer needs to know about the Federal Election Campaign Act?
• When a political non-solicitation policy can land an employer in legal battle?
• To know the Best practices for communicating a political activity policy to the workforce
• Dress code dos and don’ts as applicable per political speech—and limitations under the National Labor Relations Act.
• To discuss the first amendment and its role in controlling political speech at work
• To explore the National Labor Relations Act and how the statue applies to politically charged speech
• To interpret federal and state anti-discrimination laws and their nexus with political speech
• To list ten helpful hints in dictating political speech at work
• To identify the pros and cons of political speech at work
• To explore the consequences for employees and for organizations when political speech occurs in the workplace
• To explore the role social media plays in political speech and the workplace
• To review specific laws related to political speech inside and outside the workplace that may impact a worker’s job
• To list suggestions of items in your political speech policy.
• When it’s acceptable to discipline an employee for political-related behavior, including answers to questions such as:
• What’s likely to constitute political harassment in the workplace?
• What’s the threshold for establishing business harm on account of an employee’s political speech?

Who Will Benefit:

• CEO
• COO
• CFO
• VP of HR
• All HR Directors
• HR Managers
• HR Generalists
• Supervisors
• Managers
• Director of Risk Management

Instructor Profile:

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her specialty areas include management/leadership development, organization development, communication, and harassment and bullying. She is an expert witness for discrimination and harassment lawsuits. She trains and consults with business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector.

Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 book chapters, books, and articles in professional journals. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. She has her doctorate in organizational leadership, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services, a master’s degree in community health, and professional certificate in training and development.

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