Workers blew the whistle after at least three UK-based employees sent messages to the chat that the pressure group UK Lawyers For Israel (UKLFI) described as “racist and discriminatory”.
A statement on the UKLFI website said that the messages “created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for Amazon’s Jewish and Israeli employees”.
HR should ensure that employee groups remain focused and adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct, commented Shakil Butt, founder of consultancy HR Hero for Hire.
Butt told HR magazine: “There might be an assumption that just because employees in the group are passionate about their own focus area that they do not need support, guidance and training on discrimination legislation to prevent practices which may be deemed offensive to others.
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“HR’s role when it comes to employee resource groups is to make sure there is clarity on the mandate with clear terms of reference that can be co-created with employees to avoid some of the common problems that arise.
“Employee resource groups (ERGs) can devolve into ‘moan and groan’ sessions, which might be fine initially to air issues, but need to be focused on being forward-looking and solutions-focused.”
Employee groups can set the tone for inclusion in an organisation, commented Chandra Robinson, vice president at HR research consultancy, Gartner HR.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “ERGs are essential for fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that aligns with organisational values.”
However, she added that training leaders of ERGs can help to prevent discriminatory behaviour or harassment.
She continued: “Rather than monitoring ERGs and preventing safe spaces, companies should empower strong ERG leaders to respond to social and political flashpoints.
“HR can support ERG leaders by carefully balancing decisions on sensitive discussions to prevent discrimination. If a discussion were to turn into harassment, HR could then intervene.
“HR should also reinforce its zero-tolerance policy on discrimination and harassment, provide tools to promote respect and remind employees where and how to report misconduct. Additionally, HR should prepare supervisors to handle and escalate issues appropriately.”
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Amazon employees sent messages that accused Israel of controlling the US media and government, and the UK Labour party. They also appeared to deny that Hamas is a terrorist organisation.
Jewish employees have complained of antisemitism at Amazon following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, The Telegraph reported. In December 2023 the company suspended an employee who inserted a note that read “death to Zionists” inside a book about Israel, before shipping it to a customer.
Employees should be trained on the difference between respectful discussion and discrimination, Butt noted.
He added: “In this particular case, there needs to be guidance on the distinction between being antisemitic, which is never okay, and being critical of the political state of Israel, which is very distinct from Judaism.”
