Since millions of workers have shifted to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, managers are currently faced with full time remote work themselves as well as the task of supervising remote employees who may never have worked remotely before.  Managers can be “caught in the middle” – working to meet the expectations of their bosses while managing the performance and concerns of their teams.  The two of us have conducted research on remote work (Tammy) and coached leaders during the pandemic (Mark). Below we offer tips for managers who are leading from home. 

American Psychological Foundation
Apply online for all programs here:
https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=apa&
FAQ: https://www.apa.org/apf/funding/grants/faqs
Questions? Email APF’s program coordinator, Julia, at jwatson@apa.org .

Upcoming Deadlines

APF COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant: $20,000
Due May 1, 2020

In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the American Psychological Foundation is allocating funding to support psychological research that will provide insights that will help psychologists to work with individuals, families, and groups who are struggling to cope during these challenging times. This grant will fall under APF Visionary Grant priorities of using psychology to solve social problems. The COVID-19 crisis is certainly a major social problem.
More information: https://www.apa.org/apf/funding/covid-19-response?tab=1

As new SIOP President Georgia Chao and the new members of the Executive Board take office, the SIOP Administrative Office (AO) staff officially welcomes their new leader as well.

Tracy Vanneman, CAE, has been selected as the new SIOP Executive Director. Selection Advisory Group Chairs Fred Oswald and Will Shepherd, assisted by Alex Alonso, Kevin Impelman, Rich Klimoski, Deirdre Knapp, Julie Olson-Buchanan, and Doug Reynolds, investigated a number of viable candidates over a months long planning and search process. In the end, it was decided that the best person to lead the AO into the future was the person currently serving in the interim capacity. According to Shepherd:

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the latest SIOP Salary Survey Report, we’re happy to announce that it has now been published.  The research is based on data gathered from 1,403 industrial-organizational psychologists across a range of company sizes and industries. This year’s report dives into timely topics like virtual work and the gender pay gap.

“The information in this report will equip SIOP member to make informed decisions about their career paths,” said Scott Oppler, PhD, Chair of the SIOP Institutional Research Committee. Kristl Davison, Chair of the Salary Survey Subcommittee added “This research is intended to empower industrial and organizational psychologists to know their own worth and negotiate the compensation they deserve for the essential work they do.”

Learn more about the authors at http://www.curphyleadershipsolutions.com/bio

Crises tend to bring out both the best and the worst in people. On one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has people picking up groceries for their elderly neighbors, sewing masks, and sending hand sanitizers to those in need. At the same time, others are hoarding toilet paper, spreading conspiracy theories on social media, and failing to follow health directives from authorities.

Hardly anyone is going through their normal routines of getting ready for work, commuting to the office, spending the day with colleagues, returning home, and enjoying evenings with family and friends. People are struggling with how to effectively work from home while simultaneously being their children’s primary education and day care provider. Health care workers and others deemed essential are working longer hours than ever before, whereas those in the restaurant, bar, entertainment, fitness, hospitality, airline, and cruise industries sit idle.  Consultants and gig economy workers have seen most sources of income dry up, and those still employed have no idea whether their companies will be in business next year. The disruptions to our daily routine, uncertainty about finances, concerns about becoming infected or losing loved ones, and isolation are creating unprecedented levels of stress. No one is going to be at their best under these circumstances; the COVID-19 pandemic has created a perfect storm for our dark sides to emerge.