How HR Can Build Stability in Times of Change – Insights from Journey CEO Stephen Sokoler
Journey provides a proactive mental health platform for companies, offering fast access to personalized care through digital resources, self-guided courses, and concierge-level clinical support.
As the nation prepares for a new presidential administration, workplaces across the country are bracing for change. Shifts in leadership often bring evolving policies, economic shifts, and cultural dynamics that can create uncertainty among employees. Whether they support the incoming administration or not, the unknowns ahead can generate stress, anxiety, and workplace tensions.
Stephen Sokoler, CEO of Journey, a portfolio company focused on mental well-being, recently shared his insights in Forbes on how HR leaders can navigate these changes effectively. With the right strategies, HR can provide clarity, stability, and proactive guidance to support employees through this transitional period.
What Policy Shifts Could Mean for the Workplace
Political transitions rarely happen in isolation. Major policy changes—whether related to immigration, taxation, trade, or labor laws—can ripple through workplaces, directly or indirectly affecting employees. HR leaders must be prepared to address three key areas of impact:
Immigration & Workforce Stability – Shifting immigration policies can create uncertainty for international employees or industries reliant on immigrant workers. HR should proactively provide resources, legal support, and clear communication channels for affected employees.
Economic Policy & Job Security – Changes in trade and tax policies may impact corporate budgets, hiring plans, or workforce strategies. Transparent communication about company preparations can help reassure employees and mitigate unnecessary stress.
Social & Workplace Tensions – Political debates can spill into workplace interactions, creating tension among employees. Establishing clear expectations around respectful communication and offering training on managing bias and fostering inclusivity can help maintain a positive work environment.
How HR Can Foster Stability in Uncertain Times
While specific policy changes will unfold over time, Sokoler emphasizes that HR leaders can take proactive steps now to create a culture of resilience.
Communicate with Transparency
Uncertainty thrives in the absence of information. Even when clear answers aren’t available, open communication builds trust. At Journey, Sokoler and his team implemented weekly voice recordings from leadership and a “In Case You Missed It” Slack update to keep employees informed—small gestures that made a big impact on reducing anxiety.
Prioritize Employee Well-Being
Transitions can take a toll on mental health, making wellness initiatives essential. Offering access to counseling, digital mental health tools, and stress management resources ensures employees feel supported. Sokoler notes that different demographics may prefer different formats, from one-on-one sessions to self-guided tools, so flexibility is key.
Build Organizational Resilience
HR leaders should take an active role in upskilling employees, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and promoting a growth mindset. When employees see change as an opportunity rather than a threat, organizations can navigate transitions more effectively.
Reinforce Core Workplace Values
During times of change, reiterating company values provides employees with a sense of stability and purpose. Sokoler suggests engaging employees in conversations about what values matter most to them, ensuring alignment while making them feel heard.
Address Workplace Tensions Proactively
Workplace tensions are inevitable, but they don’t have to be divisive. Sokoler recalls a time when political debates threatened to create division at a company Journey was supporting. By facilitating a workshop on effective communication and mutual respect, the team turned a contentious moment into one of deeper understanding.
HR’s Role in Times of Change
A new administration will bring policy changes, but HR leaders have a unique opportunity to shape how their organizations respond. As Sokoler emphasizes, these moments test leadership, but they also offer a chance to demonstrate resilience, empathy, and strategic foresight.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but organizations that prioritize clear communication, mental well-being, and a culture of adaptability will not only withstand the shifts ahead but emerge stronger.
Read more on Forbes