HR Pop Culture
The character Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada would likely pass an HR audit.
What is False?
In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gina often naps at work and ignores duties. HR would likely address this under what policy?
What is the attendance or performance policy?
In Horrible Bosses, all three leads plan to get rid of their managers due to extreme workplace abuse.
What HR term describes the situation that causes their stress?
What is a hostile work environment or toxic leadership?
This psychologist is known for creating the Hierarchy of Needs, still used to understand employee motivation.
Who is Abraham Maslow?
This U.S. fast food chain once had an employee handbook that banned smiling too much at customers, claiming it was “unprofessional.”
What is McDonald's?
Jim Halpert's pranks on Dwight would be considered
What is workplace harassment?
In The Office, Michael kisses Oscar without consent in front of the entire office.This is a textbook example of what HR issue?
What is sexual harassment?
In The Intern, a 70-year-old man is hired as part of a senior internship program but is often dismissed due to his age.
This reflects a potential violation of what workplace protection?
What is age discrimination (ADEA – Age Discrimination in Employment Act)?
This organization sets professional standards for HR practices and offers globally recognized certifications.
What is SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)?
This day of the week is statistically the most common for job quitting.
What is Tuesday?
This TV host was dropped from her show following employee complaints about a "toxic workplace.
Who is Ellen DeGeneres?
In Parks and Recreation, Ron Swanson frequently hires his own family and friends for public service jobs.
This is an example of what type of workplace issue?
What is nepotism?
In Mean Girls (2004), Regina George spreads rumors and manipulates social dynamics in a school setting.
If this were a workplace, her behavior would qualify as what?
What is workplace bullying or psychological harassment?
This major Civil Rights amendment in 1972 extended Title VII protections to public sector employees.
What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Act?
This popular meeting app’s name became a verb during the remote work boom.
What is Zoom?
This tech giant’s massive 2023 layoffs led to criticism about how impersonal its remote termination notices were.
What is Google?
In Superstore, a manager schedules employees for overnight shifts without proper notice or regard for availability.
This could violate what kind of employment law or policy?
What is scheduling law or fair labor standards (FLSA)?
In Barbie (2023), Barbie visits the real world and is shocked by workplace sexism and the male-dominated boardroom.
What HR issue is front and center in this scene?
What is gender inequality in leadership or lack of diversity in decision-making?
This 2020 event rapidly accelerated remote work and digital HR tools around the world.
What is the COVID-19 pandemic?
According to research, workers are most productive during this time of day.
What is late morning (around 10–11 AM)
This billionaire was fired from the company he co-founded — and later came back to lead it again.
Who is Steve Jobs?
In The Office, Pam is asked to plan parties and take on administrative tasks outside her job title without additional pay.
What is wage theft or job creep?
In The Incredibles (2004), Bob is stuck in a depressing desk job where innovation is stifled and compassion is discouraged.
What workplace element is missing?
What is job satisfaction and employee engagement?
This emerging HR technology uses AI to screen resumes, assess candidates, and reduce bias in hiring.
What is artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment?
This is the most common day of the week for employees to call in sick.
What is Monday?