Tips for managers and supervisors
The devastation following severe storms can affect your employees at home and at work. They might feel overwhelmed, anxious or vulnerable, regardless of their personal losses. Even if your employees are outside the crisis area, they may worry about co-workers who are affected.

In the storm’s aftermath, you can play an important role in helping employees as they begin to pick up the pieces and deal with their situation.

In fact, your leadership can really help them begin to return to their normal daily routines, personally and professionally.

Steps to take
Experience with weather-related disasters has taught us that there are constructive steps to take.

• Communicate a plan. Employees look to their leaders for direction during a crisis. They feel reassured about their personal safety and job continuity when management has in place and communicates a clear, considered plan of action.
  
  
• Stay visible. Your presence can have a supportive affect. Although you may have extra demands on your time, make an effort to get out on the front lines and spend time with your workers.
  
  
• Acknowledge your feelings. Fear, anxiety and sadness are natural responses in times of disasters. When you let workers know you have the same feelings they do, you establish a genuine connection with them.
  
  
• Share accurate information. Following a disaster, people need – and want - information. Leaders who disclose the facts in a timely fashion can instill trust and relieve stress.
  
  There are helpful guidelines for communicating effectively:
  • have a plan for giving out information – and follow it
  • designate specific times for disseminating news, including reports from official sources as well as from fellow employees
  • even when no new information is available, use your time slots to let people know there are no updates
  • assign one person to gather and report all media information, to minimize the emotional ups-and-downs that often accompany news reports
  • start with frequent updates, every 15 to 30 minutes; move to sharing information twice daily
    
    
• Allow for group time. Make sure workers have time in the workplace to share stories, feelings and needs. People can learn from each other, and empathize and relate to others’ experiences. This group understanding helps everyone being to heal emotionally.
  
  
• Let them know their needs count. Following a disaster, people need to know that their basic needs for food, shelter and safety will be met. Once your employees feel they and their families are taken care of, they can begin to focus on the needs of the organization. And when you communicate that there is a plan in place to help support their needs, they’re more likely to rally behind you, as a leader.
  
  
• Recognize differences. Your employees will respond in their own unique ways. Some may be self-controlled and uncomplaining. Others may be tearful, frightened or, in extreme cases, non-functional. Recognize these different coping styles and encourage employees to support each other.
  
  

Allow time for workers to participate in comforting activities. These can include private time, prayer or group interactions.

Use our resources
Your Aetna EAP is at your disposal. We work had to keep updated on resources available in affected areas and to connect you with support and information for a smoother recovery.

Call us for more information. Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide confidential assistance.

Aetna EAP Management Services line: 1-800-921-9672