Dive Brief:
- As the Israel-Hamas War rages on, workers are divided over how their companies — and colleagues — should handle it. Half of workers want companies to issue a statement, according to the results of a ResumeBuilder.com survey, which were released Wednesday, but only 16% of companies have done so. At companies that did issue statements, 83% of workers were either somewhat or very satisfied with the action, per the survey.
- Employees also turned a critical eye on their co-workers: 33% of those surveyed said workers who issue pro-Hamas statements should be fired, 16% said workers who express pro-Palestine sentiments should be fired, and 19% said workers who issue anti-Israel statements should be fired. The survey polled 1,000 U.S. workers between Oct. 27 and Oct. 30.
- “Employees are demanding that companies take a stand on this issue and, when they do, we have seen most are satisfied,” ResumeBuilder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller said in a statement. “It benefits the company to make both an internal and external statement, as it may allow them to maintain, and simultaneously attract, employees aligned with their culture.”
Dive Insight:
While the war has already led businesses to close offices and stores abroad, companies also are handling workplace harassment and discrimination fears from employees based in the U.S.
Of those surveyed by ResumeBuilder.com, 12% of employees said they feel less safe since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, including 28% of Muslim workers and 18% of Jewish workers.
Companies need to be prepared to respond to cases of harassment and discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, Israelis and other workers. But front-line managers shouldn’t take disciplinary action independently and instead should involve HR departments, an attorney recently told HR Dive.
It’s also a good time for employers to ensure anti-harassment policies address the current situation.
