HR leaders can learn plenty from pop culture, be it through sports scandals, TV dramas, celebrity squabbles, and more. HRDA’s EntertainHR column breaks down recent news to shed light on best practices in the corporate space. While we don’t know what 2025 could entail, leaders can learn from past entertainment news. Let’s take a look back at HR Daily Advisor‘s best EntertainHR articles from 2024.
Gamehendge – What Phish’s Music Can Teach Employers about Handbooks
Phish fans were in for a very special treat at the band’s recent New Year’s Eve 2023 concert at Madison Square Garden. For the first time in 29 years, the band played its Gamehendge set in full to the delight of its dedicated followers. What does this have to do with employee handbooks, you ask? Far more than you might anticipate.
Twisters Reminds Employers to Be Weather (and Employment Law) Aware
Twisters was a great summer movie. It had action, the hint of romance, subtle nods to original, questionable science and Glen Powell in a cowboy hat. What more can you ask for? Well, leaders can pick up a few employment law basics for when business is impacted by severe weather.
No Laughing Matter – A Lesson in Hiring Discrimination from Katt Williams’ Viral Interview
The viral interview between comedian and actor Micah “Katt” Williams and former NFL Star Shannon Sharpe Reminds employers to be careful not to let their preferences, without legitimate justification, lead them into a discrimination claim.
Why it’s Never a Good Idea to Overlook Workplace Drama
If you’re a fan of the Bravo sphere, you’re probably noticing a theme in a few of the latest seasons of our favorite shows like Summer House, the Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Vanderpump Rules: conflict amongst co-workers. Conflict is a part of life, especially in reality TV and the workplace.
Can Employers Do That? The Limits of Free Speech
Believing that their right to express those views is firmly grounded in the First Amendment, celebrities and high-profile figures are freely expressing highly controversial opinions through a variety of means – social media, signs, public interviews, podcasts, rallies, petitions, and even on their clothing. But, many are learning the difficult lesson that the “right” to free speech does not mean that they are immune from every consequence when they express themselves.
Beetlejuice: The Horrors of Workplace Romances and Unconscionable Contracts
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, welcomes back fan favorites Michael Keaton as the titular character Betelgeuse, Winona Ryder as former goth princess Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O’Hara as everyone’s favorite stepmother, Delia Deetz. It also adds some wonderful new cast members, such as Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s estranged daughter, Astrid. But did you know this fun Halloween romp also includes lessons on workplace romances and contract law?
Baby Reindeer and Employee Protections for Victims of Stalking or Domestic Violence
Baby Reindeer on Netflix is the dark, fictionalized account of how one man’s stalker forever changed his life. Should you, as an employer, become aware that an employee is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, here are some best practices.
Leah’s Lawsuit: “Sober Curiosity” and its Impact on Workplace Culture
On February 27, 2024, Leah McSweeney, a former star of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City,” filed a lawsuit against parties including the Bravo cable channel; its parent company, NBCUniversal; and Andy Cohen, the executive producer of the “Real Housewives” franchise. Not every workplace is the set of a reality television show, where drama (fueled by alcohol or not) is literally what attracts viewers. And of course, you don’t need to be in recovery to make the choice to stop drinking alcohol. However, there is a lot to learn from McSweeney’s lawsuit in the employment context.
Don’t Let Unions Sink Their Teeth into Your Property Rights
Just like humans that invade a shark’s natural habitat, unions can be the uninvited guests that have a right to facilities and meeting spaces should employers be lax in their enforcement. However, unlike a shark, a savvy employer can keep these guests at bay with proper attentiveness and clear policies. After all, it’s better to navigate the waters skillfully than to end up as the catch of the day.
From Office Romance to Courtroom Drama: Lessons from ‘Presumed Innocent’
Apple TV+’s legal thriller, Presumed Innocent shows that while not uncommon, workplace romance poses legal risks for employers. Dealing with workplace romance can feel invasive and uncomfortable; however, following best practices can limit exposure to the risks associated with the relationship.