It’s not lost on me that it’s been five years since the pandemic and in many ways, the same feelings of chaos, fear, and uncertainty are still very present.
Workplaces are shifting, and no one wants to make the “wrong” decision. At last week’s SHRM Philadelphia symposium, that uncertainty was front and center as attorney Michael S. Cohen delivered a packed session on “The EEOC is NOT Messing Around: Harassment Prevention in 2025 and Beyond.”
With persistent Executive Orders and evolving EEOC and DOJ guidelines, many organizations are overwhelmed and unsure of what’s coming or how to prepare.
Some are reacting quickly, changing hiring and retention practices in an effort to stay ahead. Others are cautiously waiting to see which guidelines will become law. And many are ten toes down in their commitment to building inclusive workplaces that support a wide range of needs and talent.
While we wait to see what becomes legally mandated and what remains advisory there are tangible steps you can take right now to protect your organization and support your people.
Stay aligned with your North Star.
In chaotic times, it’s tempting to make decisions from a place of fear. But this is exactly when you need to ground your choices in your core values.
Ask yourself:
What are my company’s values?
Are we making decisions in alignment with those values or reacting out of fear?
Be clear about what’s appropriate in your workplace.
The definition of “legally acceptable” workplace behavior may be shifting but you don’t have to wait for the law to define your culture. You have the opportunity, and responsibility, to set clear expectations for what is and isn’t appropriate at work.
Consider:
What behaviors do we expect and encourage in our workplace?
What behaviors are not acceptable in our organization, and how do we communicate that?
Lead with humanity.
Fear often shows up as a fight or flight response, aggression or avoidance. But in times of uncertainty, people need connection, clarity, and care. That includes you and your team.
Reflect on:
How are you tending to your own well-being and mental health?
How are you creating space for your team to feel seen, heard, and supported?
Where are the moments for human connection, even during hard conversations?
Making decisions from a grounded, values-aligned place is essential for sustainable leadership and a healthy, productive workforce.
If you’re feeling the pressure to respond to legal changes while still building a culture of care and accountability, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact us to talk about how we can support you and your team through the uncertainty with clarity, compassion, and strategy.
