Power outages are an unfortunate reality and often strike fast and unexpectedly, leaving employees looking for answers. Often a result of severe weather, a power outage can leave a workplace without the heat or lights on, and the impact can extend to employees’ homes—and their personal safety.
Based on the number of unforeseen natural disasters since the turn of the century, including COVID-19, terror attacks in New York and Boston, hurricanes like Harvey, Irma and Maria, and major industrial accidents in Louisiana, Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, it is clear that businesses must be ready for the worst. Disaster planning means coming up with a business contingency plan.
Unfortunately reports of workplace violence have become all too common. According to a recent Society for Human Resources Management study, almost one quarter of American workers have reported that their workplace has experienced at least one instance of workplace violence.
As we look into what the workplace will look like post-coronavirus, the reality for many employers may involve supporting a geographically distant workforce. Some employees may be returning to an on-site work location, while others will be working remotely longer-term, or even permanently.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have reported increases in anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. The toll that the pandemic takes on mental health increases daily. Before the pandemic, 5% of employed workers reported poor or very poor mental health. Now, 18% of employed workers struggle with mental health issues.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working parents are now being forced to contend with their children’s new school routines. Unfortunately, these routines will be varied by school, with little universal guidance. The uncertainty surrounding these routines and their impact on working parents will undoubtedly have ripple effects in the workplace.
Political discussion has and will continue to be a reality in many work environments. Work can already be a stressful place for many, with political discussion adding an additional stressor for employees—and in many cases, an additional concern for employers. While disagreement in and of itself isn’t always a detriment to all workplaces, political discussion can negatively affect the work environment for many employees.
Social injustices, civil rights and discrimination issues affect all employers and employees across the country. Numerous recent events have led to unrest, which has permeated all areas of society, including the workplace.
