HR Pop Culture
The character Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada would likely pass an HR audit.
False
In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gina often naps at work and ignores duties. HR would likely address this under what policy?
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?
hostile work environment or toxic leadership
This psychologist is known for creating the Hierarchy of Needs, still used to understand employee motivation.
Abraham Maslow
This U.S. fast food chain once had an employee handbook that banned smiling too much at customers, claiming it was “unprofessional.”
McDonald's?
Jim Halpert's pranks on Dwight would be considered
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?
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?
age discrimination (ADEA – Age Discrimination in Employment Act)
This organization sets professional standards for HR practices and offers globally recognized certifications.
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
This day of the week is statistically the most common for job quitting.
Tuesday
This TV host was dropped from her show following employee complaints about a "toxic workplace.
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?
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?
workplace bullying or psychological harassment
This major Civil Rights amendment in 1972 extended Title VII protections to public sector employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity Act
This popular meeting app’s name became a verb during the remote work boom.
Zoom
This tech giant’s massive 2023 layoffs led to criticism about how impersonal its remote termination notices were.
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?
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?
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.
COVID-19 pandemic
According to research, workers are most productive during this time of day.
late morning (around 10–11 AM)
This billionaire was fired from the company he co-founded — and later came back to lead it again.
Steve Jobs
In The Office, Pam is asked to plan parties and take on administrative tasks outside her job title without additional pay.
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?
job satisfaction and employee engagement
This emerging HR technology uses AI to screen resumes, assess candidates, and reduce bias in hiring.
artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment
This is the most common day of the week for employees to call in sick.
Monday