These days the news is moving faster than ever.

But let’s face it: news has never been entirely uplifting. There’s that old newspaper adage: “If it bleeds, it leads.”

As human beings wired to be hyper-alert to signs of danger, stories about chaos and violence easily capture our attention.

For some, watching or reading the news is like a car crash—they don’t want to look, but they can’t look away. Others, however, may find the constant negative onslaught too much to handle, and tune out entirely.

But as changes in the federal government increasingly impact businesses, staying informed has become mandatory for HR leaders. Sticking your head in the sand puts you at a real disadvantage, and you run the risk of being out of compliance with federal mandates.

So how can HR leaders balance the need to stay informed with a desire for mental well-being?

1. Timebox your news consumption. In the era of the 24-hour news cycle, you could literally spend your entire day watching or reading the news. A better way to manage your news consumption is to only read or watch news at dedicated times. Give yourself 10-20 minutes in the morning or at lunch to skim the headlines and read a few relevant articles. Check in again in the afternoon for a shorter period of time, 5-10 minutes, to follow up on developing stories or hear any late-breaking news. Don’t consume news late in the evening, as it could disrupt your sleep.
2. Subscribe to newsletters. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of news, and it can be hard to tell what’s most important. Newsletters are a great way to stay informed on the topics most important to you. For HR leaders, consider joining HR-forward newsletters (like this one!) to stay informed about HR trends, compliance updates, federal mandates, and more.
3. Choose unbiased news sources. All news is not created equal. News outlets are often aligned with one side of the political spectrum, and some are focused on hard reporting while others are fluff-filled tabloids. Here are some resources to help you find unbiased, fact-first media:
   1. The Ad Fontes Media Bias chart. Charts media outlets based on political leanings and fact-based reporting and analysis. As of the date of publication, the top 3 highest-rated current news outlets based on factual reporting are: USAfacts.org, the NPR News Now podcast, and WSJ: The Journal, the Wall Street Journal’s podcast.
   2. Ground News. Allows you to read multiple news stories on the same event or topic across the political spectrum. It also has a handy visual rating at the bottom of each story so you can see how many articles learn left, center, or right.
4. Focus on the facts. In times of uncertainty, it’s important to stay grounded in the facts. It’s easy to get swept away by anxiety and all the “what ifs.” Instead, stay focused on what you know for sure. For example, right now, many HR leaders aren’t sure how to navigate executive orders around DEI and how they relate to Title VII. The fact is, Title VII is the law and companies must be in compliance. DEI programs in the private sector are still up for debate, despite a Trump Executive Order. While companies like Target have jettisoned some of their diversity programs, others, like Costco, have stood firm. Therefore, currently, there is room for diversity programs to continue.
5. Take breaks as needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Are you a reporter? No? Well, then the news isn’t your job. The world will go on without you checking in. Go stand in the sunlight, admire a flower, or pat a dog. There’s a lot more going on in the world than the news reports—and a lot of it is good.

As HR leaders navigate the murky waters of a volatile administration, staying informed is crucial. Finding ways to stay in the loop while remaining calm will be very important over the next 4 years.

The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.