In our current politically charged environment, building an authentic employer brand is more complex than ever. Our recent virtual event, “Employer Brand Authenticity in an Election Year,” gathered industry experts to explore how organizations can navigate these challenges while fostering inclusivity and authenticity.

The panel featured:

• Raaj Govintharajah, Founder and CEO of The Martec, and the sponsor of this event
• Susan LaMotte, CEO at exaqueo
• Sonji Young, Chief DEI Officer at SAIF
• Rodney Hess, moderator, Director of Content at Talivity and Leadership Labs Chair

View the full event below or read on for our recap!

Navigating Employer Brand Authenticity

Rodney Hess kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the significance of maintaining authenticity during a contentious election year. Susan LaMotte, Founder & CEO of exaqueo, highlighted the importance of understanding an organization’s stance and boundaries when it comes to political involvement. “You have to know what your organization stands for and make sure you’re informed about what you can and can’t do,” Susan said, stressing the need for organizations to be prepared for any potential impact.

Raaj Govintharajah, Founder & CEO of The Martec, echoed Susan’s sentiment by pointing out the risks of superficial messaging. “Often when organizations do this, it’s just lipstick on a pig—they’re saying one thing but believing another. Authenticity at the leadership level is crucial,” Raaj stated. This approach not only impacts employees but also affects how the broader public perceives the company.

Aligning with Gen Z Values Without Alienating Others

The panel also touched on navigating generational differences, particularly the expectations of Gen Z. Sonji Young, Chief DEI Officer at SAIF, spoke passionately about dispelling myths surrounding younger generations. “Often, the younger generation gets slack for not having a good work ethic, but what companies should be doing is celebrating the strengths that each generation brings to our success,” Sonji said.

Susan added to this by suggesting that organizations avoid broad generalizations. “Instead of assuming what Gen Z wants, collect your own data and lean into who you are. Employment is a relationship—it’s about being authentic and making sure you get into a relationship with someone who accepts you for who you are.”

Leveraging AI and Maintaining Authenticity

The topic of AI was also a central point of discussion. Raaj highlighted the importance of using AI thoughtfully, remarking, “AI is a tool that can magnify existing biases if not handled properly. Start with understanding who you are as an organization before deciding how AI fits in.” Sonji echoed this sentiment by mentioning the potential risks of AI when not used equitably. “If we perpetuate inequities through AI, we’re using it wrong. AI should be used with the intention of designing more equitable experiences.”

Handling Political Polarization in the Workplace

The speakers also tackled how to foster inclusivity amid increasing political polarization. Raaj underscored the importance of intentionality, stating, “Start by being really intentional about what is real to you as an organization.” Sonji emphasized a human-centered approach, advocating for focusing on the issues at hand, regardless of party affiliations. “How does this human issue show up in our workplace, and how can we contribute positively to it?” she asked, encouraging participants to prioritize empathy over political bias.

Susan concluded this discussion by advising companies to think about their communications strategy well in advance. “Make sure you know what your messaging schedule is around election time. You don’t want to accidentally take a stance that polarizes people,” she explained, noting the importance of tactical communication during politically sensitive periods.

Don’t Miss Our Next Event

If you found this discussion insightful, be sure to join our upcoming event on “Wellness in the Workplace: Making Employee Care and Well-being a Strategic Priority” on October 31st at 1 PM Eastern Time. Register now at leadership-labs.com and continue the journey towards a more authentic and inclusive workplace.

Final Tips from the Speakers

To conclude the event, each speaker shared their final tips for navigating the complexities of employer branding in an election year:

• Raaj Govintharajah emphasized the importance of treating people with dignity and staying focused on the bigger picture. “This too shall pass,” he advised, reminding attendees to avoid getting caught up in short-term challenges.
• Susan LaMotte highlighted the power of diversity in the workplace and encouraged respectful conversations. She suggested finding colleagues who enjoy discussing political issues and asking for permission before continuing such conversations outside of work.
• Sonji Young urged everyone to lead with kindness and focus on fairness, accountability, and empathy. “Kindness doesn’t require us to be best friends, but simply to recognize each other’s shared human experience,” she stated.

This virtual event highlighted that authenticity, intentionality, and empathy are critical for organizations looking to build a cohesive employer brand during turbulent times. By embracing the diversity of their workforce, aligning with evolving values, and leveraging technology thoughtfully, companies can navigate political challenges without compromising their core values.

This insightful conversation was made possible by The Martec. The Martec supports organizations in refining their employer branding efforts through the use of advanced technology, ensuring that authenticity and effective communication remain at the core of employer brand strategies.