What are some reactions I may witness and/or experience myself during traumatic events?

• Shock, confusion, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, despair, withdrawal, distraction.
• Concern for the safety and wellbeing of others and oneself.
• Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.
• Questions about and anger with the events themselves.
• Reflecting on past wartime events and related consequences.
• Concerns about future stability.
• Wondering how to assist those being directly impacted by war and other world events while continuing to focus on doing our jobs.
• Uncertainty about if or how to discuss complicated issues at work.

How can I support those who report to me?

• It is important to be authentic in your interactions and expression of care and concern. If your behavior and words do not align with your existing relationships and interactions, individuals are unlikely to feel safe and genuinely supported.
• Ask each person - individually - how they are and how you can best support them.
  • As concerns are raised, acknowledge what is occurring and be clear about what support you can provide.
  • Remind your team that people have unique lived experiences and navigate stressful situations differently. Encourage generous thinking and compassion.
  • Provide information about resources available (at the end of this email).
  • For staff experiencing significant impacts, consider what flexibility can be afforded to existing projects/deadlines and work schedules.

What should I be cautious about and respectful of?

• How your own sensitivities and strong feelings, reactions, questions and opinions might impact others.
• Avoid making statements that diminish the experience of others and encourage others to be aware and thoughtful of this too.
• Be wary of “superhero syndrome.” This is when we try to “fix” the experiences or feelings of others, which is often to make ourselves more comfortable in the moment. Instead, focus on active listening and being present.
• With evolving global news, facts can shift quickly. Avoid repeating unverified information.
• Stressful events are not an excuse for inappropriate behavior. Address this behavior professionally and act accordingly. This includes interrupting targeted behavior toward any nationality, ethnicity, faith, or other identity. If help is needed:
  • Contact your local HR representative.
  • Report an Incident of bias, discrimination, harassment, or other misconduct.

What can we do as individuals or as a team?

• Show respect and care for each other.
• Engage in discussions and learning opportunities with open mindedness.
• Participate in the virtual Cornell Meditations for Inner & Global Peace Series and invite your teammates to join you (with no pressure to).

What resources are available to me and/or my staff?

• The Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides individual, confidential, and free counseling services to benefits-eligible employees, spouses/partners, retirees, and postdocs. Call 607-255-2673 or email fsap@cornell.edu. Consultations with managers who are concerned about an employee or a workplace situation are also available.
• eni Confidential Counseling Services provides free 24/7 counseling services to benefits eligible employees as well. Call 1-800-327-2255.
• If you manage student employees, the Cornell Counseling and Psychological Services provides similar services for students.

For those with children, this guide from Weill Cornell Medicine helps families cope with tragedy.