Another View of Getting Through the Tough Times

Much has been and will be written about this subject. These tough times are hitting people in almost unprecedented numbers. And as much as we’d like to believe that the worst is over, that’s highly unlikely, given the bad economic news that seems to roll out every day.

Both Obama and McCain challenged us to volunteer, to help those who’ve been hit, to give something to the less fortunate, and to help cash-strapped nonprofits facing a huge demand for their services. As reported by the Columbus Dispatch, this challenge is beginning to resonate with citizens, particularly young people.

Employers need to respond to this challenge as well. Support employees who want to organize volunteer services. Take the lead in organizing your employees in this regard. Reach out to employees you’ve laid off to help them get new jobs, to see how they’re weathering the tough times.

Employers are increasingly viewed as one of the bad guys in these tough times. Resolve to change that. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate in trying to turn around a company that’s also going through tough times. If you show that you’re concerned about people as well as the bottom line, you’ll inspire your employees to work hard to help you turn things around and to help their friends, neighbors and former coworkers turn things around as well.