War in Ukraine: supporting mental health at work

As happened with Covid, fears about the implications of the war in Ukraine are taking their toll on the mental health of people around the world. Public reaction may seem trivial compared to the devastating realities for people caught up in the conflict, but the stresses are nevertheless impacting people throughout their daily lives, including the ways they show up at work. War-related anxiety is a problem that many employees, and their managers, are grappling with. It can manifest as exhaustion, anger, upset or worse, so employers must offer guidance and support for their staff.

Many people have been coping with chronic stress since the pandemic lockdowns began; now there are new threats to European and global security. It may feel like a constant barrage of bad news. Those with loved ones in Ukraine are stricken with grief and fear. Families of aid workers and service members in the region wonder if, or how long, they may be separated. Individuals already…