25 non-Jewish CEOs and senior DEI and HR leaders joined JewishERGs in London for a closed breakfast briefing focused on antisemitism, its impact in the workplace and how employers can better support Jewish colleagues.
On Tuesday 30 June, JewishERGs hosted a closed breakfast briefing in London for 25 non-Jewish CEOs and senior leaders from DEI and HR, followed by a visit to the Nova Exhibition. The session was designed to give senior business leaders a deeper understanding of the current reality of antisemitism, the impact it is having on Jewish employees and the practical steps employers can take to support their Jewish colleagues.
The briefing provided an opportunity for an open and honest conversation about what it means to be Jewish in the UK today, including the trauma, anxiety and security concerns that many Jewish people are experiencing — and how those experiences can affect the way Jewish employees navigate the workplace.
For Jewish employees, the current environment can have a profound impact on how safe and comfortable they feel being visibly Jewish at work. The briefing sought to help business leaders understand those realities and consider how they can respond with care, credibility and consistency.
The session also emphasised that supporting Jewish employees requires more than statements of solidarity. Employers have a role to play in understanding the specific challenges their Jewish employees are facing and in taking pragmatic steps to create workplaces where they feel supported.
Opening remarks from JewishERGs Executive Director, Steven Phillips
A powerful response from business leaders
Feedback from attendees highlighted the impact of the morning. One participant described the session as both “challenging and informative”, saying it had given them a better understanding of being Jewish in the UK, as well as the misinformation, security threats and measures required to address them. They concluded: “An event all leaders in business should attend.”
The discussion also prompted leaders to consider the implications for their own organisations. One attendee noted the heightened security environment and its impact on organising on-site events, adding that the briefing had led to further internal discussions and advocacy for more people to have the opportunity to understand these issues.
From understanding to action
For JewishERGs, the purpose of bringing senior leaders together was ultimately to move the conversation beyond awareness and towards action.
The briefing highlighted the importance of employers recognising the level of stress and anxiety Jewish employees may be experiencing and ensuring that support is thoughtful, informed and consistent. As one attendee’s feedback made clear, the impact of the session went beyond simply learning about antisemitism: it prompted business leaders to consider what they can do differently within their own organisations.
JewishERGs is continuing to engage with employers who want to better understand antisemitism and strengthen the support they provide to their Jewish employees.
If you are a business leader, HR or DEI professional and would like to learn more about supporting Jewish employees during this challenging period, please get in touch with JewishERGs.