People First: Company Replaces HR With Praying Hands Emoji That Reacts To Harassment Claims
Executives said employees wanted a faster, warmer way to feel completely alone after reporting something awful.
A mid-size software company has replaced its HR department with a praying-hands emoji that reacts to harassment claims.
Employees reporting misconduct now receive an automatic reaction within 1.7 seconds, followed by no further action, which executives say is a 94% improvement in response time.
"People want to feel acknowledged," said interim culture officer Bethany Rook. "The emoji says we see you, we honor your truth, and please do not create a discoverable email thread."
The company said serious claims may also receive a sparkle emoji, a heart, or a calendar invite titled Quick Sync that gets moved three times and dies.
Employees praised the system for its clarity. At least now everyone knows the company has chosen the symbol for prayer.
