It’s not #MeToo that’s killing your office holiday party; it’s your workplace culture

Last week, Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked if the #MeToo movement is ruining the office holiday party.


“Is the #MeToo movement becoming a spoiler for this season’s Christmas parties? … I can see this year it might a little less festive. No alcohol and no fun and no lampshades and no nothing, and, I don’t know, maybe that’s better. Is this just killing all the fun of Christmas?”

WIRTW #487 (the “(no) regrettes” edition)

One of my absolute favorite things to do is taking Norah to concerts. 

Wednesday, I’m taking her to a punk show.

SWMRS / The Interrupters / The Regrettes.

I have no doubt that I will be one of the oldest people there, maybe by a couple of decades. And, I don’t care a lick.

I love their music. I love being able to experience it with my daughter. And I’ll continue to love doing it for as long as she wants to hang with Dad at a concert.

So, if you find yourself at the Agora Wednesday night, look for us up in front of the stage. That’s where Norah likes to be, and I’ll be bouncing right next to her.

And, if you don't know The Regrettes, check them out. They might be the opener, but they are the band I am most excited to see.


What do you do to keep yourself feeling young? Share in the comments below.

Here’s what I read this week:

I am honored to have been the first ever guest on the Hostile Work Environment podcast

Have you cast your vote yet for the Worst Employer of 2017?

Whether your answer is “Yes,” “Not yet”, or “What are you talking about,” I recommend you listen to the latest installment of the Hostile Work Environment podcast (available today).

I was honored be the first guest ever on what has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. (Thanks to Marc and Dennis!)

New Year’s Resolutions — NLRB-style

Have you started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions for 2018?

The NLRB’s newly minted general counsel, Peter Robb, has, and employers will be very happy.

Is this the worst harassment training video of all time, or is it the best?

Much of the news lately has focused on how we, as employers, can do a better job training and otherwise educating our employees about workplace harassment.

So, I ask—is this parody the worst harassment training video of all time, or, is it so bad, that it’s actually the best training video?


I think I’m leaning towards the latter—that this video is so brilliant in its awfulness that it might just make a really good training tool, or least part of great compliance and education program.

What do you think?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Our harassment laws are not the reason for our sexual harassment problem

Last week, the New York Times ran an Op-Ed titled, Boss Grab Your Breasts? That’s Not (Legally) Harassment.

It argues that our lax sexual harassment laws, and the courts that apply them, are responsible for our current workplace harassment problems.

WIRTW #486 (the “all apologies” edition)

Accused of sexual harassment? Don’t know what to do?

Thankfully, the Celebrity Perv Apology Generator has you covered.

Example?

As the father of daughters, I am deeply ashamed (but not “sorry” because that means I’m guilty of something). At the time I believed that my sociopathic manipulation of the 22-year-old in my office was consensual, and of course now I realize my behavior was wrong. In conclusion, I will get the help I so desperately need because this isn’t actually my fault, I have a problem so I’m not responsible for my actions.

(I’ll take this over Matt Lauer’s “apology” 10 times out of 10; at least this one is honest.)

Thank you, Dana Schwartz, Rob Sheridan, and Scott McCaughey, from bringing some much needed levity to an otherwise awful situation.

Here’s what I read the past two weeks: