Workplace Energy Impacted When Disaster Strikes

It might seem that a disaster occurring nationally, like those of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, would not have an effect on an employee’s performance if they aren’t personally in danger.

But could it? 

As we drive to work, we hear about the devastation of people losing their homes and, for some, all of their material possessions and even their lives.

As one commentator said, “It’s easy to say, ‘Oh they are all just material things.’ But as they haul out bags and bags of wet, gooey stuff, you know that keeping a stiff upper lip is not easy.”

Perhaps we recall stories were people were wading on whatever they could sit on, flashlight in hand, fearfully waiting in the dark for their rescuers. Now imagine the terrible thought of being surrounded by snakes and alligators in the water!

All these explicit stories seem to overshadow thoughts of things we should be doing that are “important,” like showing up for that crucial meeting or completing that project with a deadline.

As managers and leaders, we MUST be sensitive to the empathy that our employees are feeling. It can’t be “business as usual,” unless you take the time to process what is going on in our country.

The day 9-11 occurred, I had a conference call scheduled the next day with my Canadian counterparts. They did NOT start a conversation with business as usual. Instead they spent a good half an hour of our meeting asking us how we were dealing with the devastation. They listened, empathized and showed compassion.

Did it matter? Absolutely. We are human after all – empathetic to the needs of those who are suffering around us, even if we are all far away.

Take the time to chat with your co-workers and employees. Feeling like you have no control over the situation can de-energize us. Perhaps chat about what you and your team can do to chip in and contribute to the cause. 

It just can’t be business as usual!