EMBRACING STILLNESS

May 20, 2020.

You have likely comforted a family member, friend or even a colleague with regard to the current challenges all around us. It’s what most of us naturally do. However, when did you last consciously comfort yourself? With the swirl of news and constant changes taking place in our daily lives, our peace of mind or solace is often lost. There is a place for self-compassion in this world, we just need to find it. Acknowledging our losses, allowing for self-care, and cultivating some still time for ourselves can bring us closer to a place of inner peace.

Please take a few moments to read and view the resources gathered for you below.

Working Mother’s Subha Barry: ‘The load we’re asking moms to bear is simply not sustainable’

May 8, 2020
By Subha Barry

With Mother’s Day landing during the COVID-19 crisis, Barry says now is a more important time than ever to pay tribute to moms who are doing more than ever before. She also explains how managers can support them better.

One thing that’s bringing a smile to my face during these uncertain times is when I have videoconferencing calls with my team members, and I see their children’s curious faces pop up on the screen or hear their little voices in the background.

Still, I see the stress on their moms’ faces, a feeling I remember when I had young children. I see my employees’ glances directed at their kids to give Mommy some quiet work time. I see their exhausted eyes from juggling so many roles, as a parent, an employee, homeschool teacher, partner and more.

Read the complete article

Reduce Stress and Rebuild Connections

The Office of Human Resources is committed to the safety and welfare of our Boston College community throughout these unprecedented circumstances. During this time of concern for our colleagues and their families, who may be experiencing unusual stress and anxiety, Human Resources is initiating a regular communication to bring you ideas and resources on self-care and the care of your loved ones. See this weekly email for tips on managing your well-being, including topics like mindfulness, staying active, gratitude and shaping a positive mental attitude.

Visit the page with resources

Scholars v. COVID-19 Racism

April 2, 2020
By Elizabeth Redden

Scholars with expertise in Asian American studies, public health and other fields have a new urgent agenda for their teaching, research and outreach: confronting coronavirus-related racism.

Jason Chang, an associate professor of history and Asian American studies at the University of Connecticut, started putting together a crowdsourced document with resources on teaching about coronavirus-related racism back in January. Students, he said, are hungry for readings that help them put this current moment in perspective.

Read the complete article.

Leading inclusively during a crisis: 7 ways to make virtual meetings more inclusive

April 27, 2020

In addition to disruptions to most other areas of our lives, many of us have experienced an abrupt change in how and where we work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who are able to work remotely, this transition may come accompanied by a new set of challenges. While some people have quickly become fluent with the technology necessary for remote work, others are still figuring out how best to make the adjustment. For example, managers and employees alike may be wondering how best to run a meeting when some attendees have roommates or children nearby. Or when not everyone has access to reliable internet. In the midst of an international crisis that impacts each of us and our colleagues in unique ways, continuing to foster an inclusive workplace can feel daunting.

The good news is that many of the inclusive practices people use when leading meetings in person remain relevant and effective in a virtual context. Below are tips for translating those inclusive practices to the digital meeting space and for taking advantage of available technology so that team members of all identities feel acknowledged, valued, and supported.

Read the complete article

OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility

Mar 17, 2020

 

Webinar from DoE Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kenneth Marcus about ensuring web accessibility to students with disabilities when using online learning or remote instruction.  Also a good resource for faculty teaching remotely.

Watch the video

How to Hire for Emotional Intelligence

HBR

by Annie McKee

February 05, 2016

We know from research (and common sense) that people who understand and manage their own and others’ emotions make better leaders. They are able to deal with stress, overcome obstacles, and inspire others to work toward collective goals. They manage conflict with less fallout and build stronger teams. And they are generally happier at work, too. But far too many managers lack basic self-awareness and social skills. They don’t recognize the impact of their own feelings and moods. They are less adaptable than they need to be in today’s fast-paced world. And they don’t demonstrate basic empathy for others: they don’t understand people’s needs, which means they are unable to meet those needs or inspire people to act.

Read the complete article

Zooming While Black

By Shonda Buchanan
April 17, 2020

Videoconferencing from our private spaces opens a lens on cultural authenticity, professional image, workplace code-switching, and white privilege.

As soon as my image leapt onto the videoconferencing screen, it dawned on me, a smiling African American woman wearing a sleek, multicolored headband, that I was probably a little too relaxed in my appearance. I also realized that my colleagues, mostly white and Asian, were seeing me for the first time in my natural, fuss-free cultural state.

In the classroom, I wear slacks or a skirt, a blouse, maybe a shawl. My hair is always neatly pulled back. I am prepared for that space. I have cultivated my image there over 18 years of university-level teaching — operating with the understanding that I am a role model by default. As such, I represent Black women and girls everywhere.

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Reducing Stigma

CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
March 30, 2020

It is important to remember that people – including those of Asian descent – who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of the ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19 than other Americans.

Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma(1) toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others.

Read the complete article

7 Keys To Keeping Your Firm Inclusive In The Coronavirus Era

By Yusuf Zakir
We are in uncharted territory. Law firms, like most other professional services organizations, are confronting a new reality. For the first time, many law firms are quickly adopting remote working policies in order to allow their employees to remain safe while still committing to a high level of client service. We seek to maintain excellent service — which we will — while managing our organizations in entirely new ways.

Read the complete article.