How to engage employees after a tense election and a long, challenging year

This election cycle felt different for the American worker. By itself it was an anxiety-inducing event. But more than that, it capped off a year of turbulent and disorienting challenges.

More than ever, companies must be prepared to engage with stresses and anxious employees.

Experts argue that the divisions in our country are not much wider than in the past. But a new level of emotional fervor has taken hold on both sides of the political aisle. Workplaces are likely to be disrupted by fear and ill-will in the aftermath of the election and other events this year.

According to a report from Peppercomm, the baseline level of fear is already much more elevated compared to the 2016 election.

(Image via Peppercomm)

The Peppercomm report breaks down internal communications around the election into four phases: leading into Election Day, Election Day itself, awaiting the outcome of the election and after the results have been established. Each phase should be addressed by internal comms and wellness teams to avoid adding stress and anxiety in an already fraught cultural moment.

Communication is imperative