Abstract:

While many people will agree that many companies and organizations were more reactive than proactive during the early days of the pandemic experience, the atmosphere was described more as chaotic, unorganized, and panic-stricken in nature. Rather than moving towards quick solutions, most stakeholders look towards the Federal Government for guidance, but equally notable was the level of misinformation being channeled through this resource and others feeding into it. In fact, many organizations, companies, and industries, as well as educational institutions were not completely prepared to immobilize their workforces and various stakeholders for this next chapter in global history. The mass exodus which occurred in each of these various entitles demonstrated a strong need for each of them to rely more on stronger leadership withing, as well as draw upon the strengths, loyalties, and skills of all stakeholders. While workers, especially teachers and administrative staff, had to endure new learning and working experiences, it should be noted early on in this paper that the level of stress experienced was exponentially expanded with the daily pressures that they were presented, but sometimes felt left out as more media coverage was shined upon those in the healthcare setting. Further, many of those in the educational setting, as well as the business setting, were facing high levels of stress during and even after the pandemic period with some or no mental health referrals or guidance. More emphasis was placed on the stress levels of essential workers, as defined by leading governmental and health organizational figures, so the areas of business and education realized that they, too, needed additional help. This paper will focus on how some stakeholders were present, but their value may not have been fully realized as they had helped to continue with much needed professionals’ services as the need for business continuation and education fulfillment. Consequently, this paper will serve as a steppingstone to help reach deeper into the experiences shared by various people in these industries and organizations that help to create a voice and story to help understand lack of mental health and support, as well as create a potential new diagnostic name for this stress stigmatization that many experienced yet felt unfulfilled as if they were weathering the storm alone.

Keywords:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, stakeholder theory, strategic planning, healing.