The world was recently saddened by the death of Stephen Boss Twitch. Quickly, it felt like people around the world gathered collectively to grieve and provide global support while making meaning and sharing the goodness this man brought to the earth. Thosewho experienced him were impacted with grief by the loss.

Although a crisis in the workplace might look and feel slightly different, in most cases the workplace represents family, unity and connection. Therefore, when a crisis arises its important to have a plan in place to ensure your staff feels safe, heard, and emotionally well.

Even though a global crisis is rare, because of the high-risk nature of crisis and the varying nature of the crisis, it is important for leaders to have a crisis management plan that includes steps, response times and soft skills to create a sense of safety. Once a crisis is underway or has passed the workplace can become chaotic and unsettled and could increase the stress your employees are under. Thinking about your employees emotional and mental wellbeing will go a long way towards maintaining trust and improving overall morale. Ultimately these actions shape and preserving the company’s culture. If your employees are experiencing a crisis here are 5 GIFTS to offer:

1. Give your employees permission and safety to deal with the crisis- Acknowledging that there is a crisis and the ways the company will provide support for the employee’s wellbeing, is one-way leaders can create safety, trust, and a feeling of belonging for employees. Create opportunities through email, meetings and reduced and modified schedules to show employees that you are all in this crisis together.
2. Identify the resources needed to manage the crisis. Do you need to bring in mental health advocates to talk to your teams? do you need to hire a consultant or outside support to review your safety plan or crisis plan? Have the company benefits been reviewed to ensure your employees have the appropriate level of benefits to heal during a crisis.
3. Identify the resources needed to manage the crisis. Do you need to bring in mental health advocates to talk to your teams? do you need to hire a consultant or outside support to review your safety plan or crisis plan? Have the company benefits been reviewed to ensure your employees have the appropriate level of benefits to heal during a crisis.
4. Forgo forcing employees to do “business as usual. Your employees are experiencing a crisis. As a leader you can make swift decisions on what operational necessities can be altered to support your organization during this difficult time Time off is golden- Allow your employees to unplug and support their family, friends, or themselves during the time of crisis.
5. Show up strong- During increasingly unprecedented times, how you show foremployees, partners and customers during a crisis can significantly increase trust inyour organization. It can create unity and closeness which in the long run will increaseproductivity. Your actions can improve your workplace morale, sense of belonging andpositively impact the culture and reputation well after the crisis has subsided.If you are looking for additional emotional wellness resources to support your staff,please reach directly at latashamatthews.com.

Latasha Matthews, LPC~ America’s Emotional Wellness Expert