# How external events have changed the workplace

- **Episode:** [137](https://agents.truthliesandwork.com/episodes/137.md) (2024-10-17)
- **Type:** panel-interview
- **Tags:** workplace, economy, change
- **Time:** 3:47–6:44 (start 227s)
- **Listen:** [https://truthliesandwork.com/137?t=227](https://truthliesandwork.com/137?t=227)

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[3:47] Al Elliott: It's been quite a tough few years. The economy has been volatile, and the bosses who were making job cuts became the enemy. There's been so much more talk of generational differences too, whether boomers or Gen Xers like me are the enemy. And of course, radical politics, where someone who doesn't quite agree with you is also the enemy. But of course, in the workplace, generally speaking, we get a total mix of beliefs, religions, ages, and outlooks on life. So how has this affected our way of working? Are we all at war with each other? Leanne asked Liz for her take on it, and then Kat adds some great points
[4:22] Liz Bronson: So, the workplace has been forever changed by just the ups and downs in the economy. Think of in startup land, 2021 brought growth with all costs, and then 2022 to '23 was cut at all costs. People don't feel secure in their workplaces. Every conversation is, and if I'll get laid off next week. So, there's this economic piece, and then there's the political piece and this doom and gloom. And if you turn on the news, there's just—
[4:52] Al Elliott: Yeah
[4:53] Liz Bronson: Bad after bad after bad after bad and global conflicts and World War III and all of these things. And I just think we're all not okay. We're unsettled. We're insecure in all parts of our lives
[5:07] Experts Kathleen Troyer: Yeah
[5:07] Liz Bronson: And that comes into the workplace where you've got people that are trying to do their best and trying to bring their full selves, and they've got all of these outside forces kind of looming on their shoulders. And I think that's affected everyone in every facet of their life
[5:24] Experts Kathleen Troyer: I couldn't have said that any better, Liz. I do think that as a result of all of this kind of chaos in our external world, right, that people are coming into work just a little bit, in some cases a little bit, and in some cases quite a bit more anxious. And I think that it's important for company leaders and HR people to, to really understand that and to do their best to create an environment and a work culture that is psychologically safe. And so that means maybe having some ground rules, maybe being an open listener when someone comes to you with some issues and being perhaps nonjudgmental, right? Letting someone feel safe with you
[6:14] Leanne Elliott: Mm-hmm
[6:16] Experts Kathleen Troyer: And then offering advice that is aligned with your company culture. And so, that's going to be a little bit different for everyone. So, I think it's important for people who— I think it's important on the front end of the job search to make sure that you as an employee are aligned with the values of the company. Because I think that that is going to make a better experience for a better employee