Find your people

In this piece from an anonymous OPM employee is an important detail for workers everywhere: if you do not already have your colleague’s mobile numbers, if you haven’t already set up secure backchannels to talk safely to each other—do so now. The scale of the present crisis isn’t limited to the federal government, and isn’t going to stay there; from the ever-present threat of layoffs, to retaliation against LGBTQ employees and their allies, and an emboldened and overt white supremacist movement at home and abroad, we are all going to need support in the days ahead. Finding space to act in solidarity with your colleagues is critical. My counsel is to create separate spaces for managers and individual contributors, as the latter are more at risk and have good reason to be cautious even among the most trusted managers. But look for ways you can cross-collaborate when the opportunity is there. Also make efforts to connect across workplaces, with other organizations in your industry or locality; start to build the capacity for cross-industry worker power now, so that you can reach for it later.

We often assume that safety is a matter of wealth, and it’s true that money buys a lot of safety. But when up against capricious, violent, and stupefyingly brainless billionaires, it’s people who are your best protection. Gather those people now, and you’ll all be stronger and safer in the days ahead.