Maintaining respect, professionalism at work: A message from Deloris Hunt, chief human resources officer

Dear colleagues,

On Election Day, I want remind all of our commitment to maintaining and upholding a respectful and professional atmosphere in the workplace.

It has been a year like no other, rattled by a series of tumultuous events, immense personal and professional challenges, heartache and intense passions around the election cycle.

Regardless of our own political views and the outcomes of the election, we must remain united in our common mission and core values. We must continue to advance health to serve Michigan and the world — especially during a pandemic. And, we must demonstrate caring, integrity, inclusion, innovation and teamwork in all that we do.

In this light, I would ask that while at work we remember to keep our political views and/or interests separate from our work at Michigan Medicine. This includes supporting the following guidelines:

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, and refrain from discussing politics with coworkers and patients.
• Avoid turning televisions to programs of a political nature and/or political news in break rooms, lobbies or waiting areas.
• Use discretion and be respectful when posting on social media. Though it may be your personal account, please keep in mind that you are an ambassador for Michigan Medicine and all that we represent.

We strive to maintain a safe work environment where all voices can be heard. Our voices can and will be heard when we have inclusive conversations rather than divisive arguments.

Political or personal values conversations are an important part of civil discourse, especially if each party is willing to listen and connect with mutual respect and a goal to seek common ground.

There are several resources available to leaders, faculty and staff to provide a framework and tips to facilitate better conversations around very complicated and potentially emotional topics:

• Creating Common Ground for a Kinder, Better Future: Growing the Capacity to Listen and Connect in Politically Charged Times
• Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) 2020 Election Community Conversation(s): Inform, Reflect, and Plan at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.
  • A conversation tool for conversation(s) surrounding the election from OHEI.
• Faculty and Staff Resources from the Ginsberg Center 
• Dialogue Deck from the UMMA: A Conversation Exercise for Political Reflection 

Thank you for upholding a safe, welcoming, nonpartisan environment for all those who work here, visit here or are treated here.

You are all, truly, health care heroes.

Deloris Hunt
Chief Human Resources Officer
Michigan Medicine

Headlines is providing a week full of Wellness resources. It began with burnout breathers on Monday and tips on finding the good amid the chaos today.