The editor of Britain’s left-wing Guardian newspaper has offered counseling services to employees struggling to deal with Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election.
Katharine Viner wrote to all staff at the publication following the result on Wednesday to extend an open offer of emotional support.
In an email reported by Guido Fawkes, Viner shared her concerns about the damage long-term Trump’s return to the White House could have on the newspaper’s shared values, citing Guardian journalist Bill McKibben who claimed it could “reverberate for a million years.”
“I know the result has been very upsetting for many colleagues,” she told staff. “Our U.S. teams in particular have covered the election with brilliant reporting; they have done it with great commitment and focus, serving readers in America and across the world.”
“They will be most directly affected by the result,” she added, encouraging staff not based in the U.S. to “contact your American colleagues to offer your support.”
For those unable to come to terms with the result, Viner urged them to “talk about it, your manager and members of the leadership team are all available.”
“There is also free access to free support services, which I’ve outlined at the end of this email,” she added.
Guardian employees in the U.K. reportedly have access to 24-hour online doctors, as well as mental health services and “virtual wellbeing tools,” while U.S.-based staff can rely on the help of two Employee Assistance Programs.
For those living down under who are traumatized by the result, “confidential, impartial professional counseling and support” is available to all employees.
