War’s Impact on the Workplace: Take It Easy

03/05/07

The war with Iraq has finally begun. In the workplace, people are talking about events as they unfold and perhaps still debating whether the fight is just. Some check the news on the half hour—or keep cnn.com open on their desktop all day long.

How can employers best cope with the war’s impact on the workplace while maintaining some semblance of productivity? Best advice: Adjust your expectations. Whatever you do, don’t clamp down and take a “business as usual” stance. “It’s not wise to limit employee interest,” says Dr. Mark A. Wilson of North Carolina State University. “You don’t want people to obsess about the war, but you should allow them to talk about it.”

Wilson, a professor of psychology who specializes in workplace issues, points out that “This war is different than anything in the recent past. It’s not as abstract. We haven’t seen anything on this scale for some time now.” That members of the National Guard and Reserves fill much of the force in the Middle East, brings the war even closer to home. Most of your employees will know someone who’s been deployed.

Consider Limiting Access to News
Unlike in the last Gulf War, the military is allowing journalists to accompany troops as they surge toward Baghdad. The “you are there” nature of the news adds to the stress. As Wilson notes, “Having a TV on all the time at work is probably a bad idea. It’s not healthy to watch a blow-by-blow account.”

Clearly, some people need help tuning out the war. A new poll by EAP provider ComPsych showed that 21 percent of workers read online war news throughout the day, and another 55 percent talked to others about the war or thought about it periodically during the day. For these folks, limiting access to news will help them keep stress levels in check and maintain work output at near-normal levels.

Wilson advocates creating a policy—tailored to your workplace and employees—that gives people a chance to catch up with news without being consumed by it. For example, you might allow people to watch the news for a few minutes in the morning and during lunch and break times.

When Opinions Intrude
The buildup toward war saw many workplace discussions on its merits. That’s natural, and, to a point, healthy. But Dr. Richard A Chaifetz, CEO of ComPsych, believes it’s important for managers to keep tempers in check. “We are seeing an increasing number of reports from managers and employees alike regarding disruptive discussions of war at work,” he says. “While everyone is entitled to express themselves, heated discussions about war are counterproductive. These debates undermine teamwork and bring work to a grinding halt.” His advice: Don’t allow them to take place on company time.
Accommodate Those Affected Directly
Employees with a spouse, child, relative, or friend serving may display a much greater level of stress than others. How can they cope? “That’s a tough one,” says Wilson. Direct contact with the soldier is the most reassuring thing, he adds, but that contact was largely cut off when combat began.

Wilson recommends that those feeling extraordinary stress over the war should strive to maintain a routine and a sense of normalcy. “Have friends and family around, people you care about. If you find comfort in religion, attend services. What you don’t want to do is spend time alone brooding.”

The American Psychological Association and National Mental Health Association echo those thoughts and offer these additional tips for anyone especially worried about the war and its outcome:

• Take care of yourself. Eat properly, exercise, and rest. Don’t neglect hobbies and social activities.
• Give yourself a “news break.” Limit your news intake to no more than one hour a day. Remind yourself that it’s OK to turn off the TV or radio and allow yourself to focus on non-war-related things.
• Be optimistic about the challenges ahead.
• Seek professional help. Extreme feelings of hopelessness or anger are signs that you may need help. You’ll feel better if you talk to a professional.

Should supervisors lower their expectations for those with loved ones serving? Absolutely, declares Wilson. “Offer as much accommodation as you can.”

However, don’t be surprised if those affected directly by the war are as productive as ever. Some people under great stress also show great focus, perhaps as a way to keep the causes behind the stress at arm’s length.

Things Will Improve
Wilson believes tensions at work will diminish—but it’s hard to say when. “It’s anybody’s guess how quickly this thing will unfold. But people can habituate to just about anything. At some point, even current states of unease will ease.”

As stress levels moderate, productivity will improve. Be patient, and keep the words of P.K. Thomajan in mind: “Hope can always cope.”

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