What to say and do right now within your organization following the Capitol attack

What happens in the world outside of work often has a direct impact on what happens at work.

Politics, society and the economy frequently converge at work—sometimes leaving HR and communications leaders struggling with their own views and actions.

What should communicators and HR pros consider in light of such vile actions? What should they do?

Here’s what 21 HR, CEO and communication leaders advise:

Get to work, heroes

In the wake of the largest threat to modern democracy, there is no greater need for HR to activate than today. 2020 taught us that silence is not an option, and we will collectively decide, as a profession, to make 2021 the year we believe politics are about people and therefore always worth wading into.

It is crucial to communicate to all employees any mental health resources, including an EAP, as the trauma will be felt differently among your people. Encourage leadership to allow time off if needed and remind your workforce that you believe in people over profit. Productivity cannot be high when trauma is experienced, and it is your job to advocate for the mental health and psychological safety of your employees after widespread suffering.