‘Your body, my choice?’ Not on our watch: Workplaces have obligation to stamp out toxic messages from the left and right

There’s a chill in the air that the unseasonably warm November in many parts of Canada cannot conceal. It is drifting northward from our neighbours below, carried on the winds of an election that, while foreign, feels uncomfortably close to home.

The recent U.S. presidential election that carried Donald Trump to a resounding victory has also stirred a pot that’s been simmering for years, and now the contents threaten to spill over into our workplaces, our schools, and our daily lives.

Reports are surfacing of disturbing incidents south of the border. Authorities are investigating racist text messages sent to children, college students, and professionals — messages laced with references to “slave catchers” and “picking cotton,” echoes of a painful past many hoped was long buried.

Hard-right pundits have taken to social media with misogynistic slogans like “Your body, my choice,” a perverse twist on a phrase historically associated with women’s rights. These toxic messages are finding their way onto T-shirts, into online forums, and alarmingly, into the minds of impressionable young people.

In just 24 hours, mentions of these derogatory terms have spiked dramatically on social media platforms — up 4,600 per cent by some reports . Misogynistic language targeting public figures has been amplified thousands of times, creating an undercurrent of hostility that is impossible to ignore.

This isn’t a left-versus-right issue. We can have Conservative or Liberal governments, Republicans or Democrats in charge, and not let this type of language and thinking permeate the dialogue.

As Canadian HR professionals and business leaders, we might be tempted to view this as an external issue — an unfortunate series of events unfolding beyond our jurisdiction. But the reality is that borders are porous to more than just goods and tourists; ideas, especially harmful ones, can easily seep through. In an age where a tweet can circle the globe in seconds, we must recognize that these waves of negativity can wash up on our shores, influencing our communities and, yes, our workplaces.

So, what can we do?

First, acknowledge that while we can’t control the outcomes of foreign elections, we have absolute authority—and responsibility—over the environments we cultivate within our organizations. For better or worse, our workplaces are microcosms of society, places where diverse individuals come together to achieve common goals. It’s imperative that these spaces remain safe havens of respect, inclusivity, and dignity.

Legally, we are bound by regulations that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and hate speech. But beyond the statutes and codes lies a moral obligation to our employees. Every individual, regardless of their background, gender, or beliefs, deserves to feel valued and protected at work.

Here are some steps we can take to tamp down the flames:

Reinforce policies: Revisit your organization’s code of conduct. Ensure it explicitly addresses issues of harassment, discrimination, and hate speech, both in person and online. Make it clear that these behaviors have no place in your company.

Promote open dialogue: Create safe spaces for employees to express their concerns and experiences. Open communication can preempt misunderstandings and provide support to those who might feel marginalized.

Educate and train: Implement regular training sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Education is a powerful tool against ignorance and can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and biases.

Monitor and act: Keep an eye on the workplace climate. If incidents arise, address them promptly and decisively. Inaction can be perceived as acceptance.

Lead by example: Leadership sets the tone. Demonstrate through your actions and words that respect is non-negotiable. Celebrate diversity and acknowledge the unique contributions of each team member.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the negativity that seems so pervasive and easy in the digital age. But we must remember that change often starts small — with individual actions that collectively make a significant impact. It’s a two-way street. We can stand aside and let the evil thoughts and comments wash over us, or we can tend a more progressive garden and ensure our workplaces don’t fall prey to extremist views.

I’ve got my watering can ready.