Question

The current Pandemic has created situations where people have lost their job, been forced to be isolated from others or are having more expectations place on them with fewer resources. Given the current social unrest being reflected in many cities around the country, police officers, business managers, politicians are retiring or resigning from their position. That leaves their employer with a personnel gap that has to be filled. What can organizational leaders do to reduce workplace stress related to civil unrest? Discuss in detail.

Answer 1

Civil unrest is a general term usually used by law enforcement to describe disorderly circumstances triggered by a group of people — a disturbance, demonstration, or attack. Such meetings are also fuelled by political disagreements; ethnic , gender or income inequality; discrimination; or concerns with health care. Although many of these meetings begin peacefully, they can easily become violent and can lead to arrests, injury and disruption of the neighbourhood and surrounding businesses, as seen on the evening news.

Employers should recommend implementing an employee assistance programme (EAP) to help workers cope. An EAP can help relieve tension and fear, link staff with the support they need to improve their mental health , and help stop future conflict before it happens.

In addition to social and emotional consequences, difficulties in the society may also pose a financial danger to firms. Companies are often compelled to postpone or stop activities as political unrest leads to collateral destruction. It also positions companies at a greater risk of product being robbed. Riots and demonstrations also delay cycles of traffic and close down main roads and highways, stopping people from going to or from work. In certain cases , in order to avoid more destruction and keep the public safe, protests end in curfews. These curfews, though, cause firms to close earlier than a regular day of work and disrupt daily activities.