Me Too movement brings changes to workplace behavior but challenges remain.
Changes and Challenges.
Script:
In recent years, many young people are joining companies that have become increasingly aware of the consequences of inappropriate behavior in the workplace, according to Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an organizational psychologist and author based in New York. Large businesses now provide mandatory training to prevent workplace harassment and encourage employees to speak out if they experience or witness unacceptable behaviors.Research shows that the Me Too movement has had a positive impact on the workplace. There has been an increase in CEO firings for sexual misconduct, and employees are more confident about speaking out against sexual harassment or assault. There have also been significant legal developments. In the US, a new law prohibits employees alleging harassment from being forced into confidential arbitration proceedings. Employers in South Korea are now legally bound to investigate any harassment claims.
Many employees have also initiated changes to company culture in the wake of Me Too. This includes setting up women's support groups, organizing women-focused events, and empowering more women to take on management positions, which research suggests can help limit workplace harassment.However, inappropriate workplace behaviors remain prevalent, according to polls. Almost two out of three women and about one in three men said they had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the past three years, according to a recent survey for US HR consultancy firm The Shift Workshop. The majority reported that their workplaces had offered training on the problem during the same period.
"not all companies manage to create an inclusive and tolerant culture"
Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic suggests that there is often a “gap between what people say and what they do” and that not all companies manage to create an inclusive and tolerant culture. Many people who have experienced inappropriate or illegal behavior in the workplace still do not feel comfortable reporting it.Despite these challenges, there is hope. Many young people believe that workplace cultures will continue to improve for women and other groups who may have faced a disproportionate amount of harassment in the past.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Large businesses have to provide mandatory training to prevent workplace harassment. T/F
b) True or False - There has been a decrease in CEO firings for sexual misconduct.T/F
c) True or False - Employers in South Korea are legally bound to investigate any harassment claims involving their staff. T/F
d) True or False - All employees feel comfortable reporting inappropriate or illegal behavior in the workplace. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Inappropriate"
b) "Empowering"
c) "Prevalent"
d) "Tolerant"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Inappropriate:
b) Empowering:
c) Prevalent:
d) Tolerant:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
The roleplay involves a manager who is leading a training session on workplace harassment and appropriate behavior in the workplace. The manager needs to explain the importance of creating an inclusive and tolerant culture and provide examples of how employees can take action to prevent harassment.
Characters: Colleague (A), Supervisor (B) Scenario: A and B work in the same department. A wants to discuss improving the company culture and suggests setting up women's support groups or organizing women-focused events to combat workplace harassment. Roleplay the conversation, with A presenting ideas and B responding.
Characters: Employee (A), HR Manager (B) Scenario: A has witnessed inappropriate behavior at work and wants to report it to HR. B is the HR manager. Roleplay the conversation where A reports the incident, and B guides A through the process and ensures confidentiality.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Past Tense - Describe a problem that you faced in work or school and how you overcame it.
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Inclusive and tolerant culture
Work in groups and create a presentation. Your group have been selected to come up with 5 guidelines that would create an inclusive and tolerant culture in your office or school. Present to the class then reach a consensus on the best 5 guidelines.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that the Me Too movement has brought positive changes to the workplace, including increased awareness of inappropriate behavior, mandatory training, legal developments, and employee-led initiatives to improve workplace culture. However, despite these developments, inappropriate behaviors remain prevalent, and many individuals still do not feel comfortable reporting them. The article was written to highlight the impact of the Me Too movement on the workplace and the challenges that remain in creating an inclusive and tolerant culture.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: False C: True D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
A) "Inappropriate" Answer: This means not suitable or proper in the circumstances. In the context of the article, it refers to behavior that is unacceptable or offensive in the workplace, such as sexual harassment or assault.
b) "Empowering" Answer: This means giving someone the authority or power to do something. In the context of the article, it refers to encouraging more women to take on management positions, which can help limit workplace harassment.
c) "Prevalent" Answer: This means widespread in a particular area or at a particular time. In the context of the article, it refers to inappropriate workplace behaviors that are still common, despite efforts to prevent them.
d) "Tolerant" Answer: I think this means showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. In the context of the article, it refers to the need for companies to create an inclusive and tolerant culture, where all employees feel respected and valued.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Inappropriate: His comment at the meeting was highly inappropriate and offended many attendees.
b) Empowering: Empowering employees to make decisions and take initiative can lead to a more innovative and productive workplace.
c) Prevalent: The use of smartphones is prevalent in today's society, with almost everyone owning one.
d) Tolerant: The school promotes a tolerant and inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and respected.
Part 7: Writing (example)
While working as an engineer on a construction site in a diverse, multinational team, I encountered a communication challenge due to varying English language proficiency levels. To address this issue, I initiated regular team meetings with a clear agenda and encouraged active participation from everyone. I also utilized visual aids, such as blueprints and diagrams, to convey technical details more effectively. Additionally, I made an effort to be patient and open to questions, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Over time, these measures enhanced understanding and collaboration within the team, ultimately leading to smoother project execution and better outcomes.
