When natural disaster strikes—whether fires, hurricanes, or other forms of disaster—communities often step up to support neighbors, family, and friends. But there’s another source of support that can be valuable and impactful for employees impacted by a natural disaster: employer support.
A Unique Form of Aid
Employers, and their HR leaders and managers, can help to support employees during and after a natural disaster in a variety of ways.
In an article for Harvard Business review, Melissa Karz and Rebecca Zucker, with Next Step Partners, a leadership development firm, offer the following recommendations:
- Safety check-ins. Natural disasters are obviously extremely disruptive, impacting employees’ lives in a variety of ways. Managers should be coached and supported in following up with employees to see how they’re doing, offering paid time off (PTO) as appropriate.
- Mental health and emotional support. Employees directly impacted by a natural disaster are likely to be facing emotional challenges and struggles. But even those not directly impacted can feel the impact of guilt and “survivor syndrome.” All need support. Listening is a simple way to provide it. Employee assistance programs (EAP) should also be turned to as a source of support for employers who have this resource.
- Reallocation of workloads. Dealing with the stress of work demands and the impact of a natural disaster can be too much for employees. Employers should consider employee workloads and how they can be adjusted to ease the burden on the most impacted team members. Certain tasks can be reallocated to other employees; in other cases, deadlines and expectations can be adjusted.
- Be transparent and engaging. Communicating regularly and openly with employees can help support a transparent culture while also making it acceptable, even encouraged, to talk about the ongoing impact of a natural disaster.
- Necessities and financial support. Employers can provide financial support for impacted employees and can also encourage others to become part of the process by providing necessities and amenities (e.g., transportation, and clothing) to colleagues.
It’s important to note that natural disasters are likely to impact all, or a majority of, your workforce if they’re working in the same geographic location. While managers have a key role to play in supporting employees, it’s likely that they may also need support. Be inclusive in addressing the impact of disaster.
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