{"id":62834,"date":"2021-03-04T03:16:43","date_gmt":"2021-03-04T03:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dissidentvoice.org\/?p=114091"},"modified":"2021-03-04T03:16:43","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T03:16:43","slug":"creating-a-safe-space-at-work-for-discussing-social-justice-topics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2021\/03\/04\/creating-a-safe-space-at-work-for-discussing-social-justice-topics\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Safe Space at Work for Discussing Social Justice Topics"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Image Source: Pexels<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot going on in the world at the moment, which means there\u2019s a lot we need to talk about. It seems as though every day there is another incident that raises issues related to the socio-economic imbalances in our society, systemic racism<\/a>, or the political decisions that shape our lives. These deserve considerate thought and productive debate.<\/p>\n

Yet, we are so often told that there are places where it is inappropriate to talk about social justice topics, no matter how vital they are to our experiences. Perhaps the most common of these is the workplace. There is an expectation that employees and employers alike should keep their thoughts on potentially divisive topics to themselves, rather than risk rocking the boat. Yet to perpetuate this is to deny the opportunity for vital debate, and growth for everyone involved.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at why businesses should be making greater efforts to support healthy social justice discourse. Where can both companies and their workers focus their efforts?<\/p>\n

Why Discussion is Positive <\/strong><\/p>\n

So, why make a space at all? If discussions about social justice have the potential to cause friction in the workplace, isn\u2019t it just better to avoid that? Well, no \u2014 maintaining silence on important issues tends to prevent us from addressing them in a meaningful way.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons that sexual harassment in the workplace has taken such an insidious hold is the historic culture of silence that protects perpetrators and oppresses those who have been harassed. Part of the reason the #MeToo movement<\/a> is so powerful is that women have been empowered to make their voices heard.<\/p>\n

For business owners, it\u2019s also not a good idea to discourage discussion on the prevalent issues of the times we\u2019re living in. Employees from marginalized groups who don\u2019t feel as though they can express themselves on important social justice issues will naturally consider discouragement as an act of continued oppression.<\/p>\n

This oppression does not provide employees with any incentive for loyalty, nor does it encourage them to apply their talents in ways that lead to innovation. Employers who smother an open dialogue on social justice issues may find that it leads only to resentment.<\/p>\n

Workers also have a responsibility not only to the power of their own voices, but to those around them who have perspectives on social justice topics. Not to mention that having the confidence to speak up in the workplace tends to strengthen an employee\u2019s influence in the company. Discussion is contagious, and taking a positive attitude toward discourse helps to create the kind of healthy culture that makes workplaces intellectually and socially stimulating places in which to work.<\/p>\n

Actions as an Employer<\/strong><\/p>\n

The constitutional right to free speech doesn\u2019t necessarily extend to private workplaces<\/a>. However, businesses have an ethical duty to encourage a social justice dialogue, and can benefit from it with strong and empowered employees. That said, it is also important to keep discussions constructive.<\/p>\n

Employers have to acknowledge that there is a line to be drawn when debate negatively disrupts productivity and relationships. So, what elements should employers be putting in place to support a safe space for discussions?<\/p>\n