Managing Well-being During Election Season

With the 2024 United States presidential election upon us, it is worthwhile to acknowledge election anxiety. This is the increased levels of stress and emotional fatigue people experience due to political events—and this anxiety could overflow into the workplace.

Signs of election stress can range from mild distraction and decreased focus to more significant emotional and behavioral responses. Here are some suggestions to support you and help you support your patients and colleagues during this election cycle:

• Do a self-check: Think about how you normally show up to work and demonstrate our values of compassion, collaboration and commitment. During this time of potential anxiety, be sure you’re interacting with others and living our values as you normally would.
• Check in with others on general well-being: Support your colleagues and acknowledge and validate their emotions. No matter what part of the political or social spectrum others are on, they may feel fear, loss, anger, or anxiety based upon the election outcome.
• Be thoughtful: It's best not to engage in debates related to the election or politics at work. Should you find yourself in any of those conversations, having a neutral planned response may help you to avoid further engaging.  
• Keep calm: Establish the expectation that any conversation remains calm and respectful. Disruption in the workplace or negative impact to the wellbeing of our patients and colleagues won’t be tolerated.
• Get support: If you encounter a situation that requires guidance, tap into any of the available resources below for support.

Resources

• Human Resources Business Directors (for leaders)
• Institute for Leadership Effectiveness (for leaders)
• Kaylan Baxter, Senior Consultant, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB), ksbaxter@carilionclinic.org
• Carilion Employee Assistance Program
• Carilion Clinic Chaplaincy Services