I'm on the Diversity Council this year at work and I must say, we've done some interesting things. I've learned quite a bit during the process. The leader of the council sends out weekly diversity messages, many of them quite thought provoking. With all of the unrest and uncertainty due to the war, I thought this particular one was appropriate.

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War Challenges Our Ability to Maintain “Business As Usual.”

Once again, the mood of the country has been affected by world events as war with Iraq has begun. Many of us are confused. We wonder. We worry. And we watch. While in our offices, hospitals, schools, and factories, there is an attempt to keep a sense of normalcy, however, tension may be affecting behaviors. Employees may be edgy, troubled, and confused as they deal with their anxiety. Some may be concerned about their personal safety or the security of America. Others could be thinking about our soldiers in battle or the people of Iraq. And, in the midst of this, there may be heated conversations between people with opposing views about why we are at war or pointed comments about the “good guys” and the “bad.” All this means that our lives have changed and “business as usual’ is more difficult to maintain. As people feel a loss of control they can become distracted, unmotivated, and, ultimately, unproductive. Helping individuals deal with this anxiety will help lessen the tension, provide support for them at this time of uncertainty about the days ahead, and keep the wheels of our businesses rolling. Here are a few suggestions of things that might help lessen the tension and provide support.

Acknowledge Wartime Anxiety

World events in the days and weeks ahead are likely to be stressful. This is the time for compassionate managers to acknowledge that people may feel troubled. The Media will be showing graphic photos of events far away, while at home, we hear of orange alerts and heightened security. The range of reactions will vary depending on people’s feelings about this conflict and their beliefs about this war. Some may exhibit little to no change in emotion or behavior. Others may react to the distractions with symptoms of anxiety including reduced concentration, heightened irritability or sensitivity, and physical maladies-all of these make work difficult. Allow people the space they need and acknowledge the emotional stress they may be feeling. For those who seem to be distracted, a few minutes spent in letting them express their thoughts and feelings will allow the focus to shift to the work at hand. Without investing this time, pent up emotions may heighten symptoms. For many people, work will be the “safe haven” where they can turn their attention to something they know and can control.

Provide Safety Information

One of the major concerns everyone has is about their own personal safety and the safety of their families. One way to reduce anxiety is to provide as much information as you can about safety. Inform your employees of what the company will do in case of a disaster or chemical emergency. Providing concrete information and steps to follow will reduce anxiety about what might happen. If there are activities related to safety in the community, it would be helpful to make this information available.

Maintain a Normal Routine, But Be Flexible

The uncertainty of each day will be eased if individuals know that they can do something about their concerns. Some may find relief checking in with their children. Some may seek travel alternatives to avoid flying. Employees may request paid time off to attend prayer services or to take a mental health break. Other may request a change in their schedule to partake in stress relieving activities such as fitness classes or workout programs. While this may cause minimal disruption in workflow, any supportive gesture will mean a great deal. Although sensitive to these accommodations, most people will expect normal activities will occur. Encourage people to do good work, continue to enjoy each other at work, laugh, and socialize.

Maintain the Message of Respect

While there will be many perspectives on the current events, this is a time to be hypersensitive to maintaining respectful behavior. Just as the issues following 9/11 encouraged us to build bridges of understanding, wartime tension requires us to keep the message of Appreciation in front of everyone. Not only must this message be audible and visible, it must be enforced. Workplaces will be tested during this time to see if the messages of respect and dignity are truly embedded in the culture. People of different races, nationalities, religions, life experiences, and opinions come together at work. We are all one in the discomfort of war. Seize the opportunity to have conversations that promote learning, listening, and unity.

Infuse Conversations with Humanity

There is a plethora of media out there on this world conflict. Military jargon, battle decries, casualty numbers, frightening language, and disturbing images will plague us. Now more than ever, people need to hear words that are comforting. Work to infuse conversations with words of compassion, empathy, understanding, and healing. Hope is the best antidote for anxiety.

United Now More Than Ever
From: ProGroup, Inc. Riverplace One Main St. S.E. Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 800.651.4093 Fax: 612.379.7048 www.progroupinc.com
progroup@progroupinc.com

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