congressional operations

In advance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, CMF and SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, are continuing our workplace training programs with a series focused on improving “life in Congress” and the well-being of congressional staff. Coming up are sessions on Personal Safety & Preparedness (April 28) and Preventing Burnout: Using the Science of Stress & Energy Management to Reset and Recover (May 5). These webinars are open to ALL congressional staff AND interns.

For our latest report, we wanted to gain a better understanding of what voters want and expect as well as what would improve their trust in Congress. One of the key findings from the surveys was that voters find it acceptable for Members of Congress to vote contrary to their views if they trust it was for valid reasons.

Today marks three months since the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Just as a scab was beginning to form over that painful scar, the congressional community was again thrown into a lockdown by an armed threat bringing back all the terrible memories. You may feel that nothing will ever be back to “normal.” Trauma takes a long time to heal, and everyone heals differently. But there are many outside groups that want to help congressional staff recover and, in time, thrive.

My comments are rooted in CMF's unique history of working with Congress for the past 44 years, including my own 24-year tenure at CMF. We have always worked closely with staff on management and operational issues, including staff recruitment, retention, and professional development; managing constituent communications and engagement; adopting and using technology; and other inside-Congress topics that few outside the congressional campus ever consider. 

Join CMF and SHRM on Wednesday, April 7, for a webinar featuring former Rep. Brian Baird, a clinical psychologist, who will offer strategies for managers and staff to manage their emotions and response to trauma and stress related to the pandemic and the January 6 attacks. Watch the recording >>