This Isn’t Working Who Will Win The War On 'Woke' Workplaces? (Ft. Eric Kaufmann)
Oct 22, 2025
In this lively discussion, Eric Kaufmann, a politics professor and author known for his critical views on DEI, delves into the complexities of 'woke' workplace culture. He explains the sacred status of certain identities and the challenges of confronting entrenched practices. The conversation highlights the difficulties of changing workplace dynamics influenced by cancel culture and virtue signaling. Kaufmann argues for a balanced approach to employment practices and critiques the role of leadership in perpetuating or reforming these trends.
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Clear Definition Of 'Woke' Workplace
- Eric Kaufmann defines 'woke' as making historically marginalized identities sacred and enforcing protection from perceived offense.
- He adds a philosophical layer: equal outcomes plus emotional safety restricts free speech and centers certain group symbolism in workplaces.
Everyday Examples Of Overzealous Speech Codes
- Tanya recounts staff networks and speech codes producing absurd incidents like people being kicked out for innocuous words.
- She says organisations spend on recruitment but neglect retention, losing good staff to enforcement of rules.
Selective Inclusion Creates New Exclusions
- Woke inclusion selects which groups to elevate and excludes others like conservatives or some disabled people.
- Eric Kaufmann argues this selective sacralisation means 'inclusive' practices actually create new exclusions.
