'Entitled,' 'complacent,' and 'sloppy': Inside the workplace tension at the world's largest HR organization

"On September 11, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator sang a sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday" to an executive at the Virginia headquarters of the Society for Human Resource Management. The brief performance, which took place in a conference room with about 75 employees, came after remarks honoring the 24th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. Two former staffers who were present at the gathering, recordings of which were reviewed by Business Insider, said it was uncomfortable to see - and not just because it was sexually suggestive."

"SHRM has been embroiled in controversy in recent years.Some of these challenges have gripped workplaces across the country, including regular layoffs and restructurings and debates over DEI. Other elements, however, set SHRM apart. They include a new attendance policy that penalizes workers who arrive even a minute after 9 a.m.; a memo about a "conservative" dress code that referenced "enclothed cognition" and bans sequins; an employment discrimination lawsuit set to go to trial in December; and a company-wide meeting in which CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. said some staffers were "entitled," "complacent," and "sloppy.""

"The issues raise questions about SHRM's role as an arbiter of human resources best practices. Thousands of HR professionals rely on SHRM's educational materials and credentialing programs to get ahead in their careers. It shapes not only HR departments across the country, but also national policy, briefing judges and lawmakers on workforce practices. Now, some professionals are deciding not to renew their memberships, and former employees are speaking out about their experiences on social media."

On September 11, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator sang a sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday" to an executive at SHRM's Virginia headquarters after remarks honoring the 24th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. Two former staffers who attended said the performance felt uncomfortable and sexually suggestive. SHRM has faced layoffs, restructurings, debates over DEI, a strict attendance policy penalizing arrivals after 9 a.m., and a memo imposing a conservative dress code that bans sequins. An employment-discrimination lawsuit is set for trial in December. Thousands of HR professionals rely on SHRM, and some are choosing not to renew memberships while former employees speak out on social media.

Read at Business Insider