5 ms·
This is a glib answer from a position of security. “Politics” is absolutely a core part of the workplace where it starts to affect your rights, those of your c
by matthewmacleod 7y ago
This is a glib answer from a position of security.
“Politics” is absolutely a core part of the workplace where it starts to affect your rights, those of your colleagues, and the actions your employer takes in support or opposition of these.
- paulddraper 7y ago> This is a glib answer from a position of security. I'd love to know how you figured that one out. > “Politics” is absolutely a core part of the workplace where it starts to affect your rights I am only slightly exaggerating when I say that all politics affects your rights. Again, like religion, super important. But for a variety of reasons, the workplace makes a poor forum.
- Pfhreak 7y agoWhat do you suggest people do when workplace must intersect with politics. For example, you need access to a gender neutral restroom or shower facility? Should you not advocate for that internally? Let's say you are an ally for someone who needs an affordance like a gender neutral facility, should you not speak up on their behalf?
- paulddraper 7y agoCompany washrooms are not really politics. Put that in the idea box all you want.
- dsr_ 7y agohttps://ballotpedia.org/Transgender_bathroom_access_laws_in_the_United_States https://ballotpedia.org/Transgender_bathroom_access_laws_in_... QED.
- manigandham 7y agoThis is an extreme case, and even so HR drafts a policy and the company follows it. What part of this requires intensive debating? There's nothing employees need to do here other than follow the law and policies.
- kupiakos 7y agoAnd if the policy is created by people who have no idea what the needs actually are and get it wrong? It's all well and good to say "just follow HR and the law", but it's frankly pretty naive. What happens when your very existence is determined to be political? This is often the case for trans people.
- manigandham 7y agoNobody's existence is political. That's just extreme language used to distract from the discussion. Policies follow the law first. If there are specific requirements then, like I said, that's up to the individual to discuss. These issues are not the concern of everyone else. No company is forced to do anything beyond the law just as the individual is not forced to work for the company. If the issue is with the law then it should be changed through the appropriate avenues, not hashed out in the workplace.
- paulddraper 7y agoAre you talking about every washroom in a legal jurisdiction (city/state/nation)? That's politics. Or are you talking about the washroom down the hall? That's just your typical company policy. Quod non erat demonstandum
- manigandham 7y agoIt seems this is the only example ever presented. Is gender really that big of an issue? The individual is free to discuss with their company about their needs and wants. HR can handle this easily by following the law and drafting appropriate policies. It does not need a big battle with an "ally" at all. That's what leaving politics out of the workplace means. An individual's issues should be left to the individual.
- Pfhreak 7y agoI posted this downthread: How is your access to a gender neutral restroom or shower facility? Do you have a quiet place to pray multiple times per day? If you need a place to breastfeed (not a restroom), is that something available? What about dilating post gender reassignment surgery? Does your workplace offer the same benefits to same sex partners? Do you have to take a badge photo, if so, what name gets used? Can you wear head coverings in your badge photo? Have you ever heard expressions like, "Let's see what's under the kimono" in a business meeting? How is wheelchair access to your site? Can I operate all the machines you use if I am blind (can I navigate to facilities? Use all the machines in the breakroom? etc.)?
- Bendingo 7y ago> you need access to a gender neutral restroom If you don't want to use the mens or womens, then just use the restroom with the wheelchair picture on the door. There's your gender neutral facility right there. Solved.
- manigandham 7y agoIf it affects your rights then it's a legal matter. There's no reason to be constantly representing and discussing politics at work.
- matthewmacleod 7y agoNo, this is just not correct. If my employer, for example, is providing contributions to a politician who is fighting same-sex marriage, for example. Not a legal issue, clearly politics, clearly related to the workplace. There are many obvious and valid reasons to be constantly discussing politics at work.
- manigandham 7y agoWhat is not correct? How is that related to the workplace at all? You're hired to do work. You don't have to agree with anyone else's politics to do that work. It's unlikely that all of your colleagues agree with your views anyway, and if you really have such a problem with the employer then you can easily choose not to work for them. I see no reason why you must discuss your political opinions with everyone else when they have no bearing on the work or job responsibility. It's neither obvious nor valid to me, and seems completely unprofessional.