The Ukraine and Russia conflict happening in your workplace

The Ukraine and Russia conflict happening in your workplace

A major conflict like the invasion of Ukraine sends out ripples across societies and into workplaces, particularly in a multicultural nation like the UK.

Staff with a Ukrainian background or links will be living with intense day-to-day anxieties; Russian nationals might be worried about criticism, harassment and their future prospects; while other employees will have their own fears about an escalation of the crisis, the growing impact on their finances, or have become embroiled in heated social media exchanges.

When sympathies are confidential

Under the 2018 Data Protection Act, employees are allowed to keep their personal background — and any particular links to the conflict — confidential. At the same time, it’s obviously a key part of an employer’s duty of care to make sure HR are thinking about the impacts on staff: who might be in need of emotional support, whether managers need to pay particular attention to how some are being treated.

Employers need to be able to demonstrate they have made reasonable efforts to meet changing needs. That might be allowing time off or more flexible working for staff most affected by the invasion; monitoring behaviours to prevent bullying and harassment — but most of all, to make sure there are opportunities to talk confidentially.

Independent ground

“The invasion has led to all kinds of emotions among staff, many of them personal, sensitive and complex,” says EAPA UK chair Eugene Farrell.

“We live in an age when social media is where much of this emotion is displayed, poured out in ways that people will later regret, leading to fierce arguments and a ratcheting up of anger.

“It’s so important that employers are a foundation of understanding and reason, who are there to provide support if and when it’s needed to all their people. EAPs are the natural partner in this situation. They’re able to provide that all-important independence and confidentiality, able to help unpick complexity and offer advice across the spectrum of issues that might be involved.”

The Ukraine and Russia conflict in your workplace – EAPA UK