CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » Authenticity in the workplace
Human Resources Subscribers

Authenticity in the workplace

Review policies to ensure clarity and identify inadvertent discrimination.

August 12, 2020
Jennifer Plager
No Comments
2020_08_118247

As credit unions work to become more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces, they must continue to respect employees’ right to self-expression and the ability to feel they can be their authentic selves at work, says Carlos Molina, senior risk consultant at CUNA Mutual Group.

“As employers, credit unions are measuring the need to provide the right amount of self-expression while still maintaining a corporate image,” says Molina, who spoke at the CUNA HR Compliance Rule Changes Virtual Conference.

In response, he suggests reviewing policies in these areas:

► Political viewpoints and beliefs. The policy should clearly indicate what is and what is not allowed while working, such as whether it’s acceptable to wear a political pin or use company resources to carry out political activities. 

Also consider restricting the use of company email for outside political endeavors or to promote personal, political, or religious beliefs.

‘Credit unions are measuring the need to provide the right amount of self-expression while still maintaining a corporate image.’
Carolos Molina

► Dress code. As diversity increases, make sure policies don’t inadvertently discriminate against any racial, ethnic, or other protected group.

For example, if the dress code prohibits head coverings, are there built-in exceptions for religious groups that require woman to wear a head cover or veil? How does the dress code accommodate hair color and length, and tattoos or other forms of body art?

CUNA compliance resources

CUNA compliance resources

“If you have a policy that limits a specific type of clothing, you must have a conversation with the person about why,” Molina says. “Be careful with dress code requirements so you’re not discriminating against protected groups.”

► Social media. While it may be acceptable for employees to have personal, nonwork-related social media accounts, do you have a policy in place about what is appropriate to post if their accounts indicate their work relationship with the credit union?

“You will have employees who are increasingly vocal around political issues leading up to the election,” Molina says. “It will cause some conflict, and you’ll be called on to have some rather difficult conversations.”

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue highlights the lending outlook for the rest of the year, how credit unions leverage fintech companies to boost digital lending, the power of lending partnerships, common Bank Secrecy Act violations, and the shift board members must make when becoming chair.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Debt ceiling deal has credit union implications

  • One week to nominate a 2023 Credit Union Rock Star

  • CUNA to host free webinar on FedNow service strategy June 13

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Do you think ChatGPT will become useful for credit unions?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us