The hosts discuss how major world events affect the workplace and the role of leaders in providing comfort and normalcy for employees. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing significant world events in the workplace and maintaining a balance between addressing employees' feelings and productivity. They share personal experiences of going through events such as 9/11 and the resulting team growth. Exploring the role of work as a distraction and source of normalcy during global crises, while cautioning against both ignoring and overemphasizing work. Learn about the importance of acknowledging world events in the workplace and the potential negative consequences of ignoring them. Discover how showing empathy as a leader can have a positive impact on employees and why recognizing the humanity in others is crucial.
Leaders should acknowledge and address the feelings and concerns of their employees regarding world events.
Work can serve as a positive distraction during difficult times, providing a sense of normalcy and peace.
Deep dives
The Impact of World Events on the Workplace
World events, whether natural disasters or conflicts, have a significant impact on the workplace. It is essential for leaders to acknowledge and address the feelings and concerns of their employees regarding these events. Ignoring or overindulging these feelings can be detrimental. Leaders should strive for a balance that acknowledges the impact while maintaining productivity and providing comfort. By creating a work environment that offers a sense of normalcy and distraction, leaders can support their employees during difficult times.
Acknowledging World Events and Supporting Employees
Acknowledging world events means letting employees know that their feelings about the event are understood and care is provided. This can be achieved by expressing empathy, offering a listening ear, and providing support. Leaders should encourage open conversations and assure employees that their concerns are valid. It is crucial to strike a balance between acknowledging and addressing the event without consuming all work-related activities. By doing so, leaders can maintain productivity and contribute to employees' peace of mind.
The Importance of Work as a Positive Distraction
Work can serve as a positive distraction during difficult times. While acknowledging the heaviness of world events, allowing employees to focus on their work provides a sense of normalcy and peace. By engaging in familiar tasks and remaining productive, employees can find solace and contribute to their overall well-being. Furthermore, work can provide a respite from constant contemplation of the event and empower individuals to make a positive impact within their circle of influence. Ultimately, work serves as a valuable platform for employees to find comfort and maintain their morale.
When things happen in the world around us, we still go to work. This week, Pat and the team discuss the most and least effective ways managers and leaders can address current events with their teams.