Stephen Hammond
Workplace Human Rights Expert
Stephen Hammond is an author, speaker, trainer and consultant in workplace human rights. He teaches managers, supervisors and staff how to prevent human rights disasters at work and how to deal with human rights problems when they arise. Working with clients in the public and private sectors across Canada, Hammond helps to promote welcoming workplaces. He has trained thousands of employees, managers, and union stewards about harassment, human rights, diversity, equity, and employee relations issues.
Stephen Hammond is an author, speaker, trainer and consultant in workplace human rights. He teaches managers, supervisors and staff how to prevent human rights disasters at work and how to deal with human rights problems when they arise. Hammond works with clients in the public and private sectors across Canada, to promote welcoming workplaces.
Since 1992, Hammond has trained thousands of employees, including staff, managers, and union stewards about harassment, human rights, diversity, equity, and employee relations issues.
Hammond learned about the importance of equality from his mother, a former Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and Cabinet Minister. His mother’s quest for women’s equality allowed him to see the importance of equal access for everyone. Hammond has been involved in politics since the age of nine, and he became the youngest Executive Director of a political party of Manitoba in his mid-twenties. In the same decade, he learned how simple freedoms of expression and political belief were being taken for granted when he was arrested at a Solidarity rally in communist Poland for taking pictures of the police. Since that experience, Hammond has felt an overwhelming urge to protect a person's right to free speech.
As a non-practising Lawyer and member of the Law Society of British Columbia, Hammond keeps up with all the relevant laws and cases in his field. He prides himself on applying these relatively new legal principles in understandable terms.
Hammond has years of experience working as a Manager of Employee Relations with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and the Hudson’s Bay Company in Winnipeg and Toronto. He has been responsible for all aspects of employee relations and labour relations, with unionized and non-unionized workforces. Hammond has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School; he was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1988.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hammond has called British Columbia home since 1990. His volunteer time has included Big Brothers, the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Clean Air Coalition, Amnesty International, the West End Residents Association and the Tenants Rights Action Coalition.
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4. Let Me Shut My Door
What’s really going on in Canada’s workplaces…
Nine out of ten people contacting Stephen Hammond, start the conversation with, "Let me shut my door." Something has gone wrong and Stephen's being called to help clean up the mess. Over the years he's cleaned up plenty of messes and so has learned a thing or two about how to prevent these things from happening in the first place.
Using real Canadian cases and examples, Stephen will reveal the lessons he and others have learned. With the latest in auto-response technology, participants will get to tell their "secrets" with complete anonymity. The combination is powerful and adds to this provocative, fast paced and informative presentation. If you want to know how to prevent disasters from happening in the first place, you'll want to be here.
What's included in this keynote?
- Mind-numbing examples of work related disasters related to discrimination and harassment
- Insightful glances at words people rarely consider
- Important and simple lessons on ways to use respectful languages
- Positive approaches to changing times
Who Benefits From This Keynote
Canadian leaders in a human resources role, and those leaders having human resources responsibilities. Sometimes people in charge think they are alone with the problems their employees and members face. In fact there are many similarities and Stephen will spell out the common examples, stories and cases that he runs across on a regular basis.
Finding out what has gone wrong elsewhere has a useful purpose if you can learn from it. Participants will learn a great deal and with the humour Stephen is known for on the platform. Current, provocative, funny, entertaining and educational. -
3. Dancing Backwards and In High Heels
Overcoming the Obstacles that Women Face At Work
Former ambassador and lawyer, Faith Whittlesey said “remember Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.” Even today, unfortunately, it’s still too often the truth. There’s a big equality gap for women in Canada, and unless changes are made, the gap will continue to widen or will only shrink in modest measures.
Stephen Hammond learned about equality from his feminist, yet somewhat politically conservative, mother, Gerrie Hammond. In his stimulating and funny talk, Stephen will discuss common sense approaches to make subtle and non-so-subtle changes to overcome gender discrimination that still exists in Canada.
What's included in this keynote?
- Head-shaking stories of modern day discrimination
- Wonderful celebrations of women who continue to make change
- Hilarious lessons learned from a feminist mother
- How selling sex is confusing the guys
- Important times to speak up
Who Will Benefit From This Keynote:
Women. Women in all workplace positions and environments will gain insight from this man who learned lessons the hard way and who now openly and unapologetically stands up for women in the face of discrimination.
You will get Stephen Hammond’s unique viewpoint on areas of past and present day discrimination that still affects women. You will be dismayed by stories of defeat and impressed by stories of success. You will laugh with the ridiculousness of the “stuff” that’s still going on and yet you will leave wanting to do more…in the name of simple equality. And if you’re a man who is open to supporting positive change for women at work, you will benefit as well. -
2. As the Pendulum Swings
Lead Your Team in Rapidly Changing Times
Canada is changing rapidly with fears that the pendulum is swinging too far in one direction. Some people feel they're on the wrong side of that pendulum while others, fearing the worst, are fighting it every step of the way. However, in this fast paced, completely interactive, information packed and provocative presentation, Stephen will help make sense of the changes taking place in our country and our workplaces.
You'll get the straight goods on how to lead in our unclear world and what accommodations are expected by law as well as by common sense. The pendulum is swinging with changes in Canadian culture, religion and gender-balance therefore you and your team need to be informed, educated and challenged so that you don't find yourself on the wrong side of a "rights" issues.
Lawyer, Author and Speaker, Stephen Hammond will have you thinking, questioning and laughing with current, relevant and provocative examples of our rapidly changing world. Be sure you're leading your team in the right direction.
What's included in this keynote?
- Surprising numbers and examples of our rapidly changing country
- Understanding of how past events have significantly affected our country and workplaces today
- Pro-active steps we all must take to change or face legal challenges
- Inspiring take-aways where doing the right thing, actually works -
1. Cut It Out!
8 Do’s and Don’ts of Appropriate Workplace Interactions
Do you realize how much inappropriate behaviour is costing your organization?
It is time to "Cut It Out!"
Yet how many people are willing to actually say this? "Cut it out!" How many organizations would be much better off if someone had said this …before the conflict, investigations, bad publicity, and lawyer's bills?
In this direct, educational and humorous presentation, former lawyer & employee relations specialist, Stephen Hammond, will reveal why workplace disasters are happening due to the actions of some entry-level employees all the way up to CEOs of the world's largest corporations.
We're in changing times, but because some people don't seem to get that, it causes an expensive ripple effect that can be only be contained when people are willing to say the right things. You will be motivated to speak up when no one else is willing to…and your organization will thank you for it.
What's included in this keynote?
- The incredible impact of mere words
- Solid reasons to change what we say and how we say it
- Pro-active steps we all must take to adapt
- Inspiring examples from those who stuck their necks out
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Stephen Hammond spoke to our Corporate Leadership event two years ago. When, this year, due to budget constraints we could only afford one day and two speakers, I said we had to have the best in Canada and Stephen had to be one of them. His interactive technology, his stories, and his humour (he's a funny guy for such a serious topic) help to bring about real and positive change in our workplace. Our CAO said it was the best leadership event we've ever had. I couldn't agree more.
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It is very rare to find someone with the right combination of knowledge and experience and that something extra that makes people want to listen, learn and participate. We feel very lucky to have found Stephen, who makes Harassment Awareness training informative, useful, and yes...fun! Stephen consistently gets rave reviews from all of the participants and is a pleasure to work with. We wouldn’t think of using anyone else.
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Thank you for doing a great job! Your presentation style and skills ensured the audience was engaged and your message was powerful, relevant and contemporary. Using current and provocative examples, you were able to address issues of stereotyping and discrimination that left people realizing there is so much to do. You also succeeded in taking the complexities of human rights and making them understandable. What was especially enjoyable was your humour. Using humour and irony, you were able to make points that are sometimes hard to make; yet when it came to the tough issues, you didn’t sugar coat your message. Conference participants truly appreciated your message.
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You were able to bring our management group up to speed on important issues that they otherwise might not have considered and you did so in a way that caught people’s attention. Our managers went back to their respective workplaces better informed and better prepared. I also appreciate the method of your presentations. Your examples were very current and you were able to utilize the electronic response system we were using to get their direct feedback. It was very informative and worked well with our group. I also appreciate that you are able to use humour and also able to get your message across without “preaching”. Your style and manner in addressing the issues within the room were very effective and we felt much more prepared to understand and be mindful of the risks in these extremely important areas of our business after your presentation.
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We liked the approach you took in your book, Managing Human Rights at Work: 101 practical tips to prevent human rights disasters and wanted that same common sense approach for our employees and supervisors. Stephen, you were able to cover a wide variety of issues related to respect, human rights and reasonable accommodations. In the process, our people came away with a better understanding and some important ideas on how to resolve problems as they arise. In each session you used examples relevant to the particular audience. Stephen, your personal drive and passion to educate your audience on Human Rights issues is exceptional. We have recommended you as a professional speaker and would welcome you back to speak to our staff again.
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Your sessions have greatly assisted our Fire Officer candidates as they gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in dealing with workplace issues such as Harassment and other forms of discrimination. Their learning of your knowledge of the law and the practical side of workplace issues is a benefit to our department as we require our Fire Officers to effectively deal with workplace issues before they get out of hand. Our Fire Officer candidates have continually commented to me about your ability to provide clear and concise information in a meaningful and enlightened manner. They have also commented on your entertaining method of keeping them interested and engaged during lectures and your overall commitment to their learning and understanding of the topic under discussion. -
Keynote speaker Stephen Hammond closed his amazing presentation about people’s perceptions of Canadian society with the many steps forward human rights have taken over the years. He reminded us how precious our human rights are and that great things have been, and still can be achieved, even in the face of the most daunting obstacles.
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Who would have thought we could have a session about human rights related issues and still have a good time? Your session was very well received by our employees in our desire to know more about our obligations and responsibilities. Your presentation was very creative and that helped people to take in your message and apply it back at work. Thank you for helping us get a better understanding of this issue.
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Your informal style with all the sessions was such a hit that other divisions of the company wanted you to give similar training. The feedback we have received on our evaluation forms has identified you as a strong knowledgeable speaker. I especially like the fact that some of our senior managers and HR department have subsequently sought out your advice to help with problems they encountered. Your experience and expertise has been very well received here at Cameco Corporation.
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Our senior managers were very pleased and impressed with your presentation. You took a group of participants who came in with a skeptical outlook and in a short space of time got them engaged. People left the room with a positive message about changing their workplace for the better, some skills to handle problems as they arise and a definite feeling that the session they had attended was worthwhile and enjoyable. Your style was open, interactive and fun and that led to a great atmosphere for learning. It is also clear that you understand the “fire culture” in a way, which made people stand up and take notice.
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It is often difficult to discuss the issues of bullying and respect in an academic environment when there is a need to have free speech. However, your approach was great because it allowed for freedoms, yet talked about the desire and need to be respectful and within the law. Our department heads and administrators left your session with a better understanding of each person’s roles and responsibilities. Not an easy task. We also liked your style. You were informal, friendly and fun. For this subject matter, that’s often hard to do. At the same time, you were direct and that is something we wanted and needed.
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Many of our managers tell us that this training is the best they have taken. Your approach and delivery of the content allows people to speak openly about a difficult subject. Our managers go back to their stores with more skills and ability to tackle issues as they arise. Due to your understanding of the law and your fun approach, you are able to engage our managers to pay attention and to learn more. Thank you for continuing to update your materials, stories and current examples.
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From the moment you took off your shirt to reveal a fun t-shirt underneath, all participants got a clue that the session would be fun. It was, and your variety of teaching techniques (including getting people to sing TV theme songs) allowed staff to learn, and have fun in different ways and walk away remembering. One staff wrote “I always learn something that sticks with me when I attend a presentation by Stephen”. What we appreciate most is the effort you put into customizing your talk to our organization by meeting with us ahead of time, understanding our objectives, and then taking that into the classroom into your delivery of the program. You are clear and to the point, you speak with conviction, you take both current events and work examples and use those to reinforce your learning objective, which helps staff to walk away with specific realistic day-to-day examples to remember. You are engaging and take full advantage of audience participation with the use of hands on examples and the added touch of using humour to teach a point. I would describe you as a natural speaker, presenter and educator for all audience types based on your approach, style, and your natural ability to engage, entertain and motivate others while learning critical life long skills.
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I thought the Supporting a Respectful and Inclusive Campus presentation was excellent and appreciated the way Stephen drew everyone in the presentation through the “game” we played. Trying to determine the result of harassment court cases was fun and challenging. I was a bit nervous at first, but Stephen quickly put me at ease with his sense of humour. I especially enjoyed the clickers and the hysterically malfunctioning software. The presentation was very thought-provoking. Stephen’s style was fun but he also knew how to drop bombs (the test cases and hard facts) that shocked you into reality.
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January 2008Managing Human Rights at Work
Stephen Hammond’s book, Managing Human Rights at Work: 101 practical tips to prevent human rights disasters, is still the only one of its kind. While some books are effective for lawyers and others just for issues of Harassment, Stephen’s book covers many of Canada’s human rights issues and makes the complex, understandable. That’s why many workplaces have bought dozens, hundreds and literally thousands of the book to make sure every one of their supervisors and managers has their own copy.
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