The Human Side of Traumatic Events – What to Do

As business owners and HR professionals, protecting the assets of your organization is a priority – this includes protecting your people. In addition to the day-to-day stresses of life, our technological age gives us 24-hour access to traumatic global events via the news and social media, and many are deeply affected by this. These events may affect job performance and an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, all of which impacts the workplace. What can you do when this happens? 

Dust off your emergency response plan and review it with all employees. If you do not have one, create one. The plan should include:

• If your data is not stored in the cloud, have a secure backup, and an alternative download location for all essential electronic data

• Have a system for immediately contacting all customers and a plan for managing their needs

• Ensure that you have emergency contact information for all employees

• Know the options for relocating your business operations 

• Train all employees on the plan

• 
  

Reviewing your plans will help instill confidence that should an event occur, you will take proper measures to ensure the safety of everyone to the extent possible.

When it comes to the emotional toll, take the time to check in with employees. Creating space for employees to talk about feelings can be a valuable and much appreciated means to process and cope with the effects of traumatic experiences. You may also consider supporting opportunities to take action that will have a positive impact. For example, employees may want to organize a collection drive for needed supplies or share information on relief organizations. Lastly, if your company provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), remind employees to utilize the services offered, which may include telephonic and private counseling sessions.

Building resiliency while helping hearts and minds with support to heal and process traumatic events can have a positive impact on productivity and engagement.