For our team members around the world, it’s hard to comprehend what’s going on in Ukraine right now. We’re seeing it unfold in real-time before our eyes through the media, from mass-market press to people in Ukraine sharing experiences on social media.
As intense and overwhelming as it is to experience these non-stop war updates, many of us have the luxury of being at a distance. We cheer on those sharing acts of heroism and shudder at gut-wrenching atrocities, and it’s often emotionally exhausting. But having empathy is not the same as living through war.
People’s lives are lost and affected. We may see millions of displaced people seeking new homes and wondering if they’ll have a home to go back to when this is over. Those affected by the devastation also include the countless Russians who would rather their country live in peace with their neighbors than waste efforts expanding their influence through military force.
What gives us hope is seeing just how much of the world is coming together in support of peace, self-determination, and the patriotic resolve of people whose borders are under siege. On a smaller scale, it’s a reminder of how much our colleagues need to be there for each other and provide support when we need a little headspace, time to breathe, an ear to listen, or more.
There’s no doubt some of us around the world are affected by the war in Ukraine more than others, but it feels like we are all affected in some way. There’s no right way to process this, but it takes a toll on so many of us, especially given our ongoing obligations with family, work, friends, self-care, and everything else in our lives.
What matters most at Mediaocean is the well-being of our greatest asset, our employees. I’ve made myself available to anyone and everyone here, as has anyone leading a team. Our People & Culture team offers safe spaces for colleagues who need it, and we have various resources ready to support our employees’ mental, emotional, and physical health. We are all appreciative here of these kinds of safety nets in place here when such crises unfold, and that’s true for me as much as it is of any of the 1,600+ members of our team.
One more thing...
So many people at Mediaocean have felt the urge to commit personal resources to help the people of Ukraine. Given what’s at stake, we’ve done so as a company too. In addition to our employee donation matching program, we are making an additional contribution to Save the Children's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. We hope that, beyond the gift itself, it reinforces to Ukrainians just how much of the world is devastated by their struggle and how we are eager to see a lasting peace.
