Examining Unwritten HR Practices to Center Race Equity and Inclusion

By Trisa Kern, SHRM-CP

Like much of modern American work life, our human resources practices often embrace, accept, and perpetuate unwritten rules. Norms and conventions
are passed down like folklore from employee to employee and are frequently accepted as truth without giving much thought to their original purpose, or whether they meet our modern-day needs.

When considering office-based workplace practices, many have evolved to meet the needs of a 21st century workforce — we have made great strides with worker-centered benefits like flexible work schedules, portable equipment, and telecommuting. Many others, which were designed around…