Tips and strategies for managers in the immediate aftermath of a trauma
The following tips and strategies are designed to give Managers and staff supervisors some tools to reach out to staff in the immediate aftermath of a trauma, such as a forest fire.
- Remain as calm as possible. Someone needs to take charge and that will require a certain amount of stable behavior during what can be a time of chaos.
- As managers, it is important to recognize that you are not immune to the trauma and therefore may require your own support network in time.
- Do not minimize the trauma in an attempt to make your staff feel better.
- Be available to listen to what your staff need to talk about. This is important to begin the recovery process.
- Do not hide. After a trauma, staff need to know that the organization cares for their well-being and safety.
- The most helpful way to address physical shock is to offer something to eat and drink that is low in carbohydrates, sugar and caffeine. Foods high in fats and caffeine can aggravate the physical shock, causing increased states of agitation and hyperactivity. Provide instead for your staff foods that will re-hydrate and replace vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, fruit juices, vegetables and mineral water. Also, take the time to explain why you are offering these choices.
- The Employee Assistance Program can be of support if consultation is required.
After an evacuation – what to expect
In the initial hours or days following the lifting of an evacuation order, staff may be irritable, distracted and very anxious about the status and their safety of the workplace requests. Concerns about personal matters and family issues will have impact staff and their ability to deal with aggressive phone or in-person customers. Situations usually handled by front line staff are increasingly referred to managers or supervisors. Some employees may request vacation or are calling in sick days. In the aftermath of a fire evacuation order uncertainty about workplace safety and security concerns and reactions are not unusual.
The staff will be looking to you, their manager or supervisor, for guidance and support as you work together to re-assume control and re-establish a routine. The following information is to provide both you and your staff some guidelines and support as you go through this process.
What to do?
Be visible-walk around, ask staff how they are doing. Communicate whatever factual information can be shared regarding organizational support. Offer relevant employee resources if possible such as: a listing of local hotels or daycare centers outside the affected areas, flexible hours to accommodate families with changing schedules, the use of computers or company phones to communicate with family members, service providers and personal insurers. Allow space for staff to vent and speak about their reactions to this unsettling event Comfort. Assure that you and your employees stay hydrated and do eat something. Encourage staff towards resuming the usual rhythm of operations at your location. Remind staff that the EAP is available to provide emotional support. Consult with the EAP Trauma Department to determine if or when additional intervention support may be recommended.
What emotional reactions can I expect my staff to see/feel?
Reactions to any traumatic event are varied and each individual will have their own unique response to an event. In a situation where an individual is impacted by an event that is sudden and unexpected, the reaction will be multifaceted. The cumulative effect of traumatic and catastrophic events can heighten the reactions experienced or observed. The reactions are usually temporary and will often subside in three to six weeks. In the meantime though, these reactions can be uncomfortable, impacting concentration, productivity and focus even disrupting sleep patterns.
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