What the EU Referendum result means for HR...

Good morning all

I am wondering given both the conversations I have overheard this morning and in particular posts I have seen on social media people are planning to manage the inevitable conflict between staff related to such an emotive and divisive subject. 

Many of the people who have voted to Remain that work for our business have not been shy about levelling some quite inflammatory statements about the Leave camp being driven by deep rooted racism and small-minded, ignorant bigotry. Many statements like this I think leave-voters will find quite objectionable, and  I have already witnessed many insults being exchanged between members of staff on social media. 

We have a management meeting this morning and I am minded to ask that the management team in particular remembers that one of their key roles is to build teams which are cohesive and respectful of one another (much in the spirit of 'better together'!). Is this however the responsibility of the employer? I think managers in particular should be quite careful about what views they expressed and how they do so, bearing in mind the effect this has on those employees who have chosen to vote leave. 

I can see one situation in particular escalating to grievance stages already so wondered if there was a particular approach anyone would recommend to make sure management time is not sucked up by dealing with petty squabbles, when many of them will already be concerned about how this affects what is expected of them in the immediate and medium term future (I work in property and our share prices have dropped this morning by 20% - we will all be feeling the pressure). 

As I type I've had a further situation brought to my attention. 

Appreciate it's very raw but just interested to seek views on what others think! 

I would be very careful of drawing to much attention to this. By all means have a low level discussion with your managers about what is appropriate in the work place.

But my sense is that the "heat" is a 24 hour wonder and will blow over in the coming days as the reality settles that a decision has been made

I would be very careful of drawing to much attention to this. By all means have a low level discussion with your managers about what is appropriate in the work place.

But my sense is that the "heat" is a 24 hour wonder and will blow over in the coming days as the reality settles that a decision has been made

Our chief cheese has opted to send round a nice email saying we're all for healthy debate but more so for respecting others' opinions so to kindly bear that in mind when discussing the result. Seems to have had the desired effect.

I know it'll all calm down (although perhaps not in time for it to be this evening's fish and chip paper) - nice to see people engaging in politics for a change anyway! :)