Dealing with contentious issues

There are inevitably occasions where contentious issues in the news or in the local community are talked about in the workplace and may lead to very divided views and even hostility between groups. Issues such as 9/11 or local Far Right campaigns have all had an impact on 'conversations' in the workplace. And more individual and personal issues relating to the equality strands (age, disability, gender (including transgender) , race, religion or belief and sexual orientation) have also been evident.

Experience suggests that the impact of these issues can be tackled through an open and honest debate, facilitated within the boundaries of normal professional behaviour found in most workplaces, rather than being exploited by informal grapevines and rumour mills. These issues do need to be raised with some care, but are generally better out in the open than festering below the surface.

One option is to ask staff members who are affected to talk openly about the issues relaying concerns, perhaps on both sides, but demonstrating that they can be considered in a mature way which promotes respect for all points of view. Some businesses actively promote discussion of the issues of the day through 'talking point' cards set on tables at breaks and lunchtimes. The key issue is to ensure there are parameters set for the discussions and that everyone is aware that respect for all is integral to the debate. Small but powerful interventions such as those described, help dispel any myths or stereotypes about people and encourage people to integrate and talk openly about difference.