Many companies have a tradition of creating funny videos, skits, or events as part of their corporate fun. Earlier this year, Manulife Financial issued a public apology for what they are calling a, “spoof rap video that was part of the executive team’s year-end message.” (Link below) This was an internal video that was retracted after some employees said that they were offended by it.

This got us thinking, and talking, obviously -- what do you do when activities and programs at work, even when well-intended, are called out as offensive?

https://business.financialpost.com/news/fp-street/manulife-ceo-apologizes-for-an-executive-spoof-rap-video-some-employees-found-offensive

Key Takeaways:

Just because only 10% of the organization feels offended, doesn’t mean that it’s okay. This isn’t a “majority rules” kind of situation.
Lead with curiosity! If you are organizing company activities and someone tells you they are offended, ask for more info. You may have had the best of intentions and you still missed the mark.
Check your eye roll! Sure, in some cases, you may feel super frustrated that someone tells you they are offended...but be aware of your own reactions and try to be honest with yourself about where they come from.