Use accountability, not punishment, when rules are broken

Despite 97% of employees stating they would report misconduct, only half actually do, primarily due to fears of retaliation and skepticism about corrective action, writes Erica Salmon Byrne, the chief strategy officer and executive chair for Ethisphere. Training managers to encourage speaking up, practicing active listening and maintaining transparency in investigations can create a strong "speak-up" culture, Salmon Byrne writes.

Put it into practice: Alleviate employee anxiety around speaking up by sharing data from investigations and avoid suspending, terminating or transferring an employee in what may seem like a retaliatory move, Salmon Byrne advises. "Make sure to educate your managers on this to avoid credibility hits to your speak-up program."

Company leaders should intentionally prioritize work that enhances the well-being of their teams and move away from "greedy" work cultures that can lead to health risks and economic inefficiencies, says Brigid Schulte, director of the Better Life Lab at New America. Schulte, speaking at ICMA's 2024 Annual Conference, stressed the importance of work-life balance, time management skills and the need to rethink traditional notions of productivity.

Bits of approximately 3,500-year-old cheese are likely the oldest chunks of dairy ever found, scientists report in Cell, describing genetic analysis of cow and goat cheese discovered around the necks of at least three mummified bodies in an ancient burial site in China. The findings suggest that nomadic groups spread two kefir microbe subspecies, originating from Xinjiang in China and from the Caucasus region, across Eurasia.

With an eye on the upcoming election, Suzanne Leta from Fluence discusses how politics could have an impact on policies that have pumped billions of dollars into the renewable energy industry. Leta highlights how bipartisan support for tax credits linked to domestic manufacturing might be enough to protect those funds. Meanwhile, Leta explains how tariffs linked to batteries are practically up to the discretion of whoever occupies the White House.

Many companies, such as Google and Etsy, are using restorative justice practices that Erin Wade writes about as a way to confront employee misbehavior through dialogue and accountability instead of retribution or punishment.

Google established "restorative circles" to settle conflicts and interpersonal issues and involve conversations between employees and a neutral third party. Employees report that the circles have helped them increase empathy and understanding for their colleagues.

Etsy trains human resources officers to use restorative justice methods to address internal conflicts in areas such as harassment, discrimination and general office disputes. The practice has contributed to a more inclusive and open culture where employees feel safe to speak up without fear of retribution.

Leaders can use restorative justice practices to create the "speak up" culture that Erica Salmon Byrne writes about. If employees know that they can bring concerns to management without retaliation, they are more likely to report unethical practices.

Such strategies require open communication, accountability and a focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships, trained neutral facilitators and a focus on outcomes that ensure the harmful behavior ends.

"Strong organizational cultures don't just happen," Salmon Byrne writes. "They require intentional support so employees know that when they do the right thing, they will get the support they need. Speaking up is an act of integrity."

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