A Two Week Notice

Often we hear organizations and leaders say, “we bring our whole selves to work.”

This framework is used to help communicate that what happens outside of work - whether personally, professionally, or worldly - often impacts who we are while at work. It’s an invite to show up authentically to your workplace.

However, I think that this phrase can get a bit gimmicky, because inherently it invites a conversation that many people aren’t necessarily ready to address or have a desire talk about.

There are topics that affect us personally that many find taboo to talk about at the workplace, and one of those is what I’m talking about today on the blog: politics.

As you might have heard, there’s a large election happening right now that ends on Tuesday. I’m sure you know which one I’m talking about, because you’re likely in the same boat as I am with getting five million texts and calls from various organizations asking for your vote. Not to mention the ads on our social media feeds, tv screens, and radios. As the election wraps on Tuesday and results come in (and likely to be contested), the next two weeks are sure to be something wild and unpredictable.

While this election is a reminder of the power we each hold, it’s also a time to recognize the weight that making choices, getting informed, and understanding our values can place on us. It’s easy to get swept up in the swirl of campaign ads, viral clips, and heated conversations with friends and family. So, before the noise gets even louder as we reach the end of the election, I want to take a moment and do a self-check in with you and ask this: what does caring for ourselves look like right now?

Self-care during this season might mean setting boundaries around conversations or news intake, especially if it’s feeling overwhelming. It might mean carving out moments to connect with the things that keep you grounded; whether that’s spending time with loved ones, walking the dog, doing something creative that brings you joy, or burying yourself in work projects so that it drowns the noise. Sometimes, it’s simply about allowing yourself a moment of stillness, space to breathe, and acknowledging that it’s okay not to have every answer.

This election will land differently with everyone. There are issues on the ballot that we’re voting for that impact every facet of our lives – from bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, the economy, gun safety, and more. There is not a single identity or group of people who do not have something affecting them on the ballot. So, naturally, this is going to impact the way we show up to work in the coming weeks as we wait for the results and deal with the outcome once it’s announced.

So, take time this weekend and decide what the next two weeks of self-preservation and care are going to look like for you, because it’s sure to be a lot. How will you spend your time to ensure that you’re able to show up to work authentically while also doing the work that’s expected of you? As a leader in your organization or team, how are you going to check in with your people to see how they’re doing? What support are you offering or resources you’re going to share?

And for those leaders reading this, I want to let you in on the secret: checking in on your people doesn’t have to be a grand to-do, or full of the right words. A simple, “hey, just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing with ___,” goes a long way. It’s this simple show of support that turns the phrase of “showing up as our whole selves” from a gimmick to a cultural norm. ?

We don’t have to get into the politics of it all to show up and support our teammates over the next few weeks. We simply just have to provide the support and space to let them bring their whole self to work; understanding that some of us might be more anxious, scared, or exhausted as we await answers. So, if someone needs to step away for a few minutes to get some air outside, or maybe they want to not be on camera, or work from home instead of being with everyone in the office, let’s consider these options as forms of selfcare that are necessary for them to be successful during this time and make concessions where possible.

Remember that we spend 40+ hours a week together, and turning off parts of us for that much time is almost impossible, so the more that we can lean into caring for ourselves and supporting our teammates, the better off our workplaces will be, especially over these next few weeks.

Voting in this election is about honoring what you believe in and value, but taking care of yourself through the process is just as important. When we care for ourselves, we strengthen our resilience, which makes us better prepared to make decisions that reflect who we truly are – and it’s in that vein that we’ll be able to continue to show up to our work as our whole, authentic, selves.

And as a final plug, if you have yet to vote, here are two great resources for you:

• If you're undecided as a voter, go to www.ISideWith.Com to learn which candidates best align with your beliefs and values.
• If you need to see where and when to vote, along with checking out what's on your ballot, go to www.vote.org to learn more.

Remember, your vote is your power and you should not give that up. Make your voice heard and VOTE!