As the Russian war on Ukraine continues, a growing chorus in the United States press for more ways to help the people of Ukraine. Many companies have already responded by limiting or curtaining operations in Russia. (A future blog will focus on the too many United States and international businesses that continue to support the brutal aggression either in the name of “profit” or the complacency which comes from being thousands of miles from the conflict.)
As the war continues, human resources and corporate leaders will be called on to do more to support their employees and families. A recent article published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offered recommendations for companies to support workers impacted by the crisis. See The Ukraine War Is Causing Some Workers Severe Anxiety; Employers Can Help. Among other recommendations:
- Consider providing a channel for employees to contribute to reputable humanitarian assistance programs;
- Communicate with employees that it is okay to talk about their own anxiety and fears;
- Consider encouraging employees to limit their “doom scrolling;”
- Consider turning off television sets or tuning them to a non-news channel;
- Encourage employees to take advantage of employee assistance benefits; and
- Remind supervisors to be on the lookout for signs of anxiety, stress and other disruptive workplace behaviors associated with substance abuse and other issues.