National Tragedy Affects The Workplace - Many national tragedies are first learned about while people are at work. Just imagine how many people learned of those events while going about their workday. When such events occur, employees gather around computer screens and televisions to watch the events unfold.
Personal Tragedy Affects the Workplace - Personal tragedy, such as an employee, co-worker, or family member’s death or illness, an employee filing bankruptcy, or incidents of home or workplace violence, also commonly affect the workplace. These personal tragedies are typically less public than national tragedies, but there’s still the same sense of wanting to help and not being sure what to do.
Regardless of the type of tragedy, it usually has a substantial impact on workers. There are organizations that provide a support system to help people cope with tragedy and the helplessness and grief that often follows. There are also actions that employers can take to help employees as they experience tragedy in the workplace:
Ensure Safety. In cases where the incident occurs in the workplace, safety is the primary concern. The disaster plan should be implemented immediately. Employers may also consider Crisis Response Insurance to support recovery and communication after a large incident.
Assess For Personal Involvement. Offer time off, transportation, moral support, assistance getting more information, and similar help if the tragedy affects a worker on a personal level. There might also be a need for shelter, compensation, or relocation if the tragedy impacts multiple employees or the workplace physically. In some incidents, firms should review options such as Excess Casualty (Excess Liability) Insurance for broader financial protection.
Be Understanding. Workers usually cannot instantly return to everyday work after hearing about a tragedy in a productive and safe manner. Distracted and distraught workers are more likely to make errors and poor decisions, so be understanding and tell workers it’s okay to focus on what’s happening until they can resume work safely.
Offer Information. Information can help workers process events. If possible, provide a radio, television, or computer in a common area so employees can stay informed. Keep employees as up-to-date as possible without divulging confidential information, and recognize that employees may want to call friends and family for updates.
Offer a Talking and Gathering Location. Some find comfort in being close to others during a tragedy. A quiet conference room can provide a gathering point and a place for interaction, sharing of grief, encouragement, and support. Bringing a lunch or encouraging a brown-bag or potluck for the first few days can create an informal support setting.
Have a Meeting to Share Information. With personal tragedies, confidentiality is crucial. Offer as much factual information as permitted to reduce rumors and decrease time spent seeking information from other sources. The meeting can also include ways employees or the company can offer practical help.
Offer Ways to Help. Many people take comfort in easing the pain of others. Depending on the situation, a company fundraiser, blood drive, charitable donation, or offering flowers or food might be appropriate. For threats or violence at work, consider formal programs such as a Workplace Violence Program.
Encourage Employees to Utilize Resources. Make sure employees are aware of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or counseling available through the company health plan. If insurance questions arise, HR can help employees talk to an agent.
Have HR Staff and Managers Available. HR staff and managers are critical during a tragedy and should be visible and available. It helps for key staff members to be present in work areas and to stop, listen, and support those who need it.
Be Prepared. All companies should have a disaster plan that covers likely local disasters such as fire, earthquake, tornado, or hurricane. Every employee should be trained on appropriate disaster and personal injury actions so the plan can be followed immediately when needed.
Include Grief Training As Part of the Training Program. Many are unsure what actions to take after a tragedy; for example, employees might be unsure what to say or do when a widowed worker returns to work. Grief training that covers the stages of grief and how to support others can help maintain morale and reduce long-term effects.
Everyone will experience some sort of tragedy at some point, and those events are likely to touch the workplace. These tips offer a practical starting point for employers to address tragedy as it unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should employers respond immediately after a workplace tragedy?
Prioritize safety, implement your disaster plan, account for all employees, and provide clear information to reduce confusion.
What resources can employers offer to support employees?
Employers can offer time off, counseling through EAPs, a quiet gathering space, and practical help such as meals or transportation.
Can training and planning reduce the long-term impact of a tragedy?
Yes. Disaster planning, grief training, and visible HR support help employees recover more quickly and maintain workplace stability.