Living in a constant state of uncertainty is unhealthy. Photo / Unsplash
OPINION:
I have commented before how concerning it is to see so many businesses with signs saying they will not tolerate the abuse of their staff. For a country renowned for the friendliness of its people, it is a sad reflection of a slide away from the best version of
ourselves. As business owners and managers, it is vitally important to ensure we look after our staff and make them feel safe, secure and supported. It helps to understand why this is happening and to be aware of other impacts on your team.
In many developing countries it is so common to see beggars on the streets, it becomes easy not to see them. There is so much need from so many people, it is exhausting even thinking about the huge amount of need. This is often referred to as compassion fatigue. In war zones, soldiers and civilians on the front lines often display combat fatigue, which is a neurotic disorder caused by the stress of war.
As the pandemic stretches out, I feel we are seeing pandemic fatigue. Living in a constant state of uncertainty is unhealthy. People worrying about getting sick, dying, not being able to see loved ones, having plans cancelled at the last minute, not being free to socialise and gather in groups, potentially not being able to work due to restrictions and laws, losing jobs as businesses fold under the effects of the pandemic.
How are you holding up? Are you looking after yourself? It is easier to care for our teams when we are in a good place. Tony Robbins identified six basic needs humans have: 1: certainty; 2: uncertainty/variety; 3: significance; 4: connection/love; 5: growth; 6: contribution.
