As the saying goes, the news never stops. In this weekly news roundup, we’ll cover the top news stories impacting American workplaces and communities. This edition covers ways to combat antisemitism, research and more.
1. Unmasking Antisemitism: Strategies for Inclusive Organizations
Antisemitism is rising following Hamas’ attack on Israel; how should organizations respond?
Dr. Stephanie Creary, Assistant Professor of Management at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, shared tips based on her research and a session she recently facilitated with organizational leaders, many of whom are Jewish.
In a LinkedIn article, Creary wrote that organizations must not shy away from discussing challenging topics.
Discuss specific terms like “Israel,” “Hamas” and “Jews” instead of vague references to “marginalized groups” or “the Middle East,” Creary said. Personal engagement is crucial, going beyond organizational statements.
RELATED: Shutting Down Antisemitic Comments in the Workplace
2. Report Shows Employees Expect Businesses to Have a Positive Impact on Society
A new report from Gallup and Bentley University showed that employees’ expectations for organizations’ contributions to society have grown.
According to the Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report, 63% of U.S. adults said businesses have “an extremely or somewhat positive impact on people’s lives.” This is a decrease of 8 percentage points from 2022.
Of those surveyed, 1 in 2 Americans said businesses have a detrimental effect on the planet. Additionally, 55% indicated a willingness to switch jobs for an organization making a more positive global impact.
3. Americans Want to Work for Companies Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights, Research Finds
Research from Edelman and GLAAD revealed that employees in the U.S. are 4.5 times more likely to work for a company that publicly supports LGBTQ+ rights. Furthermore, workers expect employers to commit to protecting and expanding those rights.
This sentiment is especially strong among people of color. In fact, Black employees are seven times more likely to work for a company that supports LGBTQ+ rights and Asian employees are 6.5 times more likely.
Additionally, 59% of Americans believe businesses can positively impact LGBTQ+ rights with substantial resources. Fifty-three percent feel CEOs should spearhead discussions on LGBTQ+ rights.
4. United Health Foundation Report Shows Increase in Maternal Mortality Rate
The United Health Foundation’s 2023 Health of Women and Children Report revealed the maternal mortality rate rose 29% between 2014—2018 and 2017—2021. The United Health Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation under UnitedHealth Group (No. 15 on Fair360’s 2023 Top Hospitals and Health Systems list).
Among various racial and ethnic groups, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women exhibited a notably higher maternal mortality rate than their counterparts.
Visit Fair360 for more information about the maternal mortality rate for Black women and learn ways to prioritize health equity in the workplace.
5. California Law Will Require Venture Capital Firms to Report Founder Representation Demographics
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law mandating annual reports on founder representation demographics for Venture Capital firms. This requirement begins in 2025.
The law will apply to most VC firms in the U.S., including those not based in California. Axios reports that firms must annually survey founders, allowing opt-out without recrimination, on gender, race, ethnicity, disability and veteran status.
