Organizational and Leadership Resources

Organizations across the country and around the world are facing a unique set of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Whether work is taking place by teams connected in a physical workplace or distributed to remote locations, the following resources are meant to assist leaders in understanding teams, supporting employees, creating more effective working environments, and keeping organizations connected and healthy in these uncertain times.

Reading

Digital Loneliness in Today's Organizations
Blog post by Leadership PsyD student Amber Beland, written for field site Bridging Distance
As workplaces go virtual, many workers are feeling lonelier without the human connection of offices. This has real ramifications not just for workers but for organizations. There are things leaders can do to help support their virtual teams to mitigate loneliness and lead to happier and more productive workers.

How Isolation Affects Workers, Teams and Organizations... And What to Do About it
Blog post by Leadership PsyD student Nicole Brougham written for field site Bridging Distance
Lack of physical proximity and communication through technology is increasing feelings of isolation for remote workers. With decreased opportunities to connect with their teams and organizations, these workers are experiencing real ramifications on their overall wellbeing. While isolation can be problematic for individuals and teams, leaders are shown to be effective resources for mitigating these feelings.

The Great Resignation, WJC News. Dr. Lynne Richer, senior associate director of field placement for the Organizational and Leadership Psychology department, provided context and opportunities for organizations looking to make adjustments.

Resources

Brain Based Toolkit for Navigating Uncertain Times

William James College Leadership Psychology PsyD students studying Functional Neuroanatomy in the Neuroscience of Leadership Area of Emphasis created this resource for leaders using data collected from leaders who offered insights regarding what they are struggling with during COVID-19. 

This 3-page long guide, which was created by PysD students Cat Kemmerling, Jessica Sharp, and Kristen Toohill, begins with an introduction  explaining what is happening in the human brain when a person is facing uncertainty and stress, then offers some tips for helping to manage stress and some Web-based resources.

Download the guide here