Talking Taboo: Making the Most of Polarizing Discussions at Work

What happens when polarizing topics surface in the workplace? It depends on how we handle them.

In Talking Taboo, SHRM Chief Knowledge Officer Dr. Alexander Alonso explores why certain topics - like politics, race, religion, sex, and gender - are often considered off-limits at work, and what happens when they inevitably arise. Drawing on insights from the "2020 SHRM Survey of Politics and Polarizing Discussions in the Workplace", Alonso offers real-world dialogue examples, research-based findings, and practical tools to assess, manage, and engage in difficult conversations constructively.

This timely and essential guide helps leaders and teams move beyond discomfort to create more inclusive, thoughtful, and resilient workplace cultures.