The results are in, and Trump won.
In doing so, he made more than half of American voters happy. But the others? Not so much. A huge number of people are struggling to process the election results this week. And because many people spend a third of their lives at work, they will be bringing those feelings into the office.
Smart bosses and HR leaders likely did their best to create a calm workplace in the run up to the presidential election. But now that the race is over, bosses may be dealing with a different kind of problem: A significant number of dispirited workers.
“Going into this election, the country was divided almost 50-50. So that means half of the people in our workplaces are very upset today.” Jennifer Dulski, CEO of Rising Team, a workplace software company, tells Fortune.
Fortune spoke with experts about what bosses, people leaders, and HR managers can do to help workers struggling mentally this week, and in the months following the election. They say that time off can be super critical for workers to process their feelings, but even allowing people to work remotely could go a long way.
“Just acknowledge that other people get some solace from walking their dog, petting their cat, taking a walk in nature,” Angela Kimball, national director of advocacy and public policy at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, tells Fortune.
It can also be helpful to remind workers about the mental health benefits they do have. A single enrollment-period presentation probably isn’t going to leave a lasting impression for most employees, who may not even know they have access to counseling and other wellness benefits.
“Give them the phone number again, give them the link again, send out blast emails. Give them the information that they need to cope,” Maria Trapenasso, head of human capital solutions at NFP, a corporate benefits company, tells Fortune.
And although it’s important for leaders to avoid alienating employees by pushing their own political beliefs in the workplace, showing a human touch is important. It’s OK to let people know that you care about how they’re feeling.
“Your leader can influence your mental health as much as anyone in your life,” Leena Rinne, global head of coaching at Skillsoft, tells Fortune. “Including your partner.”
You can read the full story on how to support employee mental health this election week here.
Emma Burleigh
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Brit Morse
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Today’s edition was curated by Brit Morse.
Around the Table
A round-up of the most important HR headlines.
ESG fund managers are being urged to keep their lawyers “very close” after a Trump election win. Bloomberg
Voters across various states had payroll on the ballot Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know about how the minimum wage is changing (or not) across the country. Reuters
After receiving a letter from hundreds of employees resisting the company’s new RTO mandate, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stresses that the new 5-day workweek policy is not “a backdoor layoff.” CNBC
Watercooler
Everything you need to know from Fortune.
Kissing the ring. Donald Trump has won the presidential race yet again, and CEOs are taking to social media to congratulate him on a successful election. –Brit Morse
The tariffs are coming. Six years ago, Trump called himself “a Tariff Man.” Reentering the White House, he plans to use tax measures to keep other countries in line and “elevate America.” – Alena Botros
Moving to Canada. The tradition of Americans searching for other residency options after a presidential election is in full swing. These are the 63 jobs would help make that transition easier. –Lila MacLellan
