Well-being

Holiday Stress Release

By R. Makana Risser Chai

Is holiday stres release possible? A friend known as the Holiday Queen, wrote, “I’m sitting this season out for a change.  I’m so swamped at work that I’ve decided to…

Well-being

Well-Being for the Holidays

By R. Makana Risser Chai

Our well-being often shifts during the holidays. In some ways, it can increase. We’re seeing more people and spending more time with the people we love, which is important for…

Communicationasking questions, crucial conversations, listening

Crucial Questions in Crucial Conversations

By R. Makana Risser Chai

Have you ever been in a conversation with anyone—co-workers, bosses, friends, family—in person, in zoom or teams, on the phone, in email, by text, on social media—when you suddenly thought,…

Well-being

Well-being starts now

By R. Makana Risser Chai

When it comes to well-being, my role model is my 95-year-old mom. She was reminiscing yesterday about climbing Half Dome in Yosemite--twice--in her 70s! She has been exercising every day…

HR Law Training & Investigations

What Racism Costs Everyone

By R. Makana Risser Chai

What are the economic impacts of racism and anti-racism on all of us? Heather McGhee, an African American economist, provides a compelling perspective in her book, The Sum of Us:…

Harassment, HR Law Training & Investigations, Sexual Harassment

Court rules calling women “sensitive flowers” shows gender bias

By R. Makana Risser Chai

A woman in New York City brought a claim of gender discrimination. She alleged that her supervisor insulted and excluded her, concealed information from her, and denied her requests for…

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Costs Honolulu Employers $200,000+

By R. Makana Risser Chai

Sexual harassment, including hugging of employees, cost a Honolulu restaurant a quarter of a million dollars in 2023. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that Mexico Restaurant, a Kalihi-based…

Harassment, Sexual Harassment

Be Fair to Men Accused of Sexual Harassment, Court Rules

By R. Makana Risser Chai

In the #MeToo environment, good employers are committed to giving fair hearings to victims of sexual harassment. But a court decision makes clear that fairness works both ways—the accused must…

Harassment, HR Law Training & Investigations, Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is Prevented with Tools

By R. Makana Risser Chai

When it comes to preventing sexual harassment, bullying, and disrespect, people need more than policies and platitudes. Training alone isn’t enough. “Tools trump training” according to Marcus Buckingham, author of…