Pre-Election Community Call Wrap-Up

November 4, 2024

Last week I had the honor of hosting our monthly community call with BRIDGE Board Chair Sandra Sims-Williams to discuss best practices on how to support your teams and feel supported during these divisive times.

Before I summarize last week's call, I want to let you know that we will be hosting a zoom on November 6th, the day after the election, regardless of the outcome. Our purpose will be to provide a space for whatever is on your minds as what could be a period of disruption commences. So please come for support or to support our amazing BRIDGE community here.

And here's a summary of what we covered.

This momentous week will require close and careful attention and activity from DEI, comms, and business leaders. Companies should consider proactively creating plans to deal with the division their employees might have around these societal and political issues as well as for the real possibility of civic disruptions after November 5. Above all, make sure all comms are routed through the CDO before distribution.

Key actions to consider while building your plan for this week, and for going forward in your permanent comms plan include:

• Review your company policies around communications practices on your company systems - if none exist, proactively create clear and well defined policies and ensure timely communication of what they are to your employees.
• Create a psychologically safe space for your employees to share their feelings and concerns without the fear of retribution and the space to process the buildup to and the potential results of the election.
• Communicate thoughtfully, clearly and proactively to your employees. With more open dialog around political and societal issues taking place in companies, there is an expectation from employees to hear from their employers. Be sure to include your DEI leaders in the development of your communications plans.
• Prioritize mental health by reinforcing all the mental health resources available both internally and externally.
• Consider adjusting deadlines, schedules and work from home policies. Close offices on Election Day to encourage your employees to vote. Ensure important deadlines are not on or immediately after election day. And give people the option and flexibility to work from home for the days following the election to ensure their personal safety.

And, as always, if there is anything I can personally do to help in any way, please reach out to me directly.