Dear Culturati Insider,
How do we navigate in an era of heightened corporate responsibility while politics challenge purpose and demand patriotism? What role should our organizations play in addressing the socio-political challenges of our time? Can we truly balance profit with purpose in today’s economy?
These questions and more are top of mind for our community. How we take care of ourselves, our organizations, our employees and our communities continues to evolve. From the Business Roundtable's pivot towards inclusivity and today's political tug of war to the nuanced integration of AI, this editions dissects how current dynamics are reshaping corporate strategies and daily operations.
We begin with an examination of the burgeoning influence of politics within corporations — highlighting the increase in workplace discussions that, while promoting transparency, also test our collaborative environments. These discussions reflect deeper issues about how political beliefs intertwine with our professional identities.
Next, a look at how the rapid integration of AI is urging board members to bolster their oversight and strategic planning, addressing AI's potential risks and ensuring compliance alongside innovation.
'Invisible mending' reveals the hidden costs employees bear as they conform with professional norms, a process that often stretches personal and psychological limits. This adaptation, a testament to resilience, illuminates the underlying need for work environments that foster authenticity and diversity, which are key to enhancing creativity and job satisfaction.
Additionally, we address the growing population of working caregivers who can be supported by policies that encompass flexible scheduling, mental health resources, and financial planning aids to sustain workforce health and organizational vitality.
These stories demonstrate some of the growing complexities of our diverse, competitive workforce in a hyper-politicized era. They also help us understand how technology and more human & ethics centered practices can guide our ambitions in creating the best cultures that contribute to corporate and employee success.
Towards progress and prosperity,
Myste Wylde
COO
Patriotism is Replacing Purpose in American Business
The Economist
Summary: In August 2019, the Business Roundtable redefined corporate priorities, advocating that companies should serve not only shareholders but all stakeholders, including customers, employees, and society at large. This change responded to eroding public trust in corporations, as highlighted by Gallup, following the financial crisis. Amidst increasing societal expectations and political pressures, ESG and DEI initiatives gained prominence. However, recent trends indicate a pullback in these areas, questioning their economic viability. The evolving discourse in America shows that political pressures are driving corporations to prioritize national security and technological leadership, influencing deeper integration with government, especially in technology and trade. This shift poses risks like heightened government intervention and the influence of special interests, potentially undermining market competitiveness and economic efficiency. The imperative to balance profit with purpose remains crucial, emphasizing the need for companies to align their strategies with broader societal and environmental responsibilities for sustainable, inclusive success. |
Why AI Risks Are Keeping Board Members Up at Night
The Wall Street Journal By Emily Glazer
Summary: The rapid integration of AI into corporate landscapes is prompting board members to intensify their oversight and strategic discussions around this technology, addressing AI's evolving risks, from data security breaches to the generation of false information. Legal concerns are also mounting, with potential liabilities for insufficient oversight of AI-related risks. This heightened focus is reflected in the 2023 survey by the NACD, which found 95% of directors recognizing AI's significant impact on business, though 28% had yet to discuss it regularly. As AI's capabilities and implications expand, board members are actively seeking education on its responsible use to ensure both innovation and compliance, thus safeguarding company integrity and enhancing competitive advantage. |
Navigating Politics in the Workplace During a Divisive Election Year
Indeed / Lead By Indeed Editorial Team
Summary: Amid the charged political climate surrounding the November presidential election, an Indeed-commissioned Harris Poll reveals that political discussions at work are intensifying, with 35% of employees engaging in such conversations, up from 29% earlier in the year. This trend is causing discomfort, as 54% of workers are uneasy with political chatter in meetings, and a significant 32% would consider leaving their job if their CEO expressed opposing political views. These dynamics underscore the challenges for employers to maintain workplace harmony and inclusivity, particularly as younger workers and those from diverse backgrounds feel more acutely the impact of political discourse on team morale. Consequently, companies are urged to set clear boundaries on political discussions, ensuring these align with organizational values and do not disrupt the workplace environment or employee well-being. This strategic approach aims to balance free expression with the necessity of fostering a respectful and inclusive work culture. |
Invisible Mending: The Silent Struggle of Conforming at Work
Psychology Today By Janelle E. Wells, Ph.D. & Doreen MacAulay, Ph.D.
Summary: Invisible mending in the workplace refers to the often overlooked and psychologically taxing efforts employees make to conform to corporate norms, a necessity that can lead to significant identity conflict and emotional exhaustion. This concept encapsulates the adjustments employees feel compelled to make — from appearance to behavior and even personal identity — to blend into professional environments. For underrepresented groups, this can mean engaging in stereotype management which involves suppressing one's authentic self to align with perceived organizational expectations. Such efforts, while demonstrating adaptability, carry a profound psychological toll, leading to stress, diminished self-esteem, and potential burnout. Organizations, therefore, must recognize the value of fostering a culture that prioritizes authenticity, which can enhance diversity, creativity, and job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to better individual well-being and organizational health. |
I Lead a 1,000+ Person Caregiving ERG. Here’s What Working Caregivers Want From Their Employers
Fast Company By Gene Lanzoni
Summary: The rise in the number of working caregivers—from 43.5 million in 2015 to 53 million in 2020—and the tripling of their caregiving hours to an average of 26 per week by 2023, has significant implications for workplace dynamics. This increase correlates with a marked decline in productivity, heightened absenteeism, and escalated turnover rates, pressing issues that leaders must address. Guardian's Mind, Body, and Wallet® report reveals that working caregivers are more likely to suffer from poor physical, mental, and financial health compared to non-caregivers, with notable deficits in healthy living habits, emotional wellness, and economic stability. To support caregivers effectively, organizations should consider implementing flexible work hours, providing access to mental health resources, and offering financial planning assistance. These measures can help mitigate the adverse impacts on caregivers’ well-being and ensure a more inclusive, high-performing work environment. |
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LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE
C-SUITE
EMPLOYEES
A.I. AND TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, BELONGING
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