Mass Shootings: 3 Non-Political Actions Every Business Owner Can Take Right Now

Death does not discriminate. Regardless of our race, sexual identity or orientation, nationality, or our political affiliation, death is imminent. 

This morning, we woke up only to read about our 2nd mass shooting in the past two days. First Texas, then Ohio. As business owners, we think about how to get involved (e.g. what action to take) and some of the most common ways we see are: 1.) don’t do anything and 2.) prepare employees by holding an active shooter training event.  

What value and impact do these options hold though -- other than putting our head in the ground and increasing fear (in a society who is already fearful and sad)?

As business owners, we can and should address mass shootings by doing more. We have a moral responsibility to communicate with transparency, lead with empathy, and create a culture of compassion. This is not a political call to action, but a *HUMAN* one. 

Here are 3 things you can do, right now, as a business leader in response to mass shootings:

  1. Create Awareness: Send a communication to employees recognizing the event. Take a moment of silence in your workplace honoring all who have lost their lives.

  2. Offer Resources (and make sure employees know about them): Most employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), but not many employees know about them. EAP programs offer personal support to employees who experience challenges - emotionally, financially, and more. During these times, it's especially important to let employees know that these resources (and others) are available.

  3. Get Involved: In other words, take action by offering resources and support to those who have been affected by a tragic event. Local organizations who have experienced loss may be in need of clothing, food, financial resources, or some other type of support. Your employees may do something as simple as spending 5 minutes drafting letters to affected families, and then sending them to the local organization for distribution.

Let’s move forward together and build economies of compassion and kindness, rather than fear and neglect. As leaders, we need to ask ourselves: how can our actions reflect the world we want to live in and leave to future generations of leaders?

Tucker King