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Scholarly article

Coping with Critical Incidents – for Managers and HR

Acting correctly in a crisis

Crises arise when stressful events cannot be worked through adequately. In companies, they arise mostly after dismissals, serious work-related accidents or the death of employees. But for individual employees, critical events in their personal lives, such as illness, separation or the death of someone close, can also lead to crises.

Regardless of the triggering event and the context: crises call for quick action, so that the affected people can regain stability, overcome feelings of helplessness and recover their ability to act. Apart from eliminating the risk to life and limb, the important thing is providing support for affected people and giving them a sense of security.

These tips will help you cope with crises

Keep a cool head

Crises are exceptional situations with considerable potential to cause stress. Try to distance yourself from the situation to some extent so that you remain able to act. Discuss the situation with other responsible people.

Seek to understand the situation, get an overview

Pin down what exactly has happened and who has been affected. Determine the effects of the event and the immediate measures required.

Provide support and relief

After critical events, the important thing is to assist the employees affected in their efforts to work through what has happened. Set up a safe context for employees to have an opportunity to share their feelings, fears and concerns. It might be necessary to reorganise their duties and redefine their responsibilities.

If you notice that employees are going through a crisis due to events in their personal lives, bring it up with them. Show understanding by allowing emotions to surface and by offering support. Bear in mind that employees’ performance might decline, and lighten their burden at work as a result. Make them aware of available support services.

Develop communication

Especially during crises, good communication is the most important ingredient. Come to an understanding regarding what language should be used when communicating and who the stakeholders are. Proactive communication establishes trust in your crisis management capabilities.

Arrange support

Leading people through crises is a challenging task. Depending on the impact of the event, it might be advisable to put together a crisis team. Study the situation together with the Movis Employee Assistance Programme.

Movis Employee Assistance Program

When critical events occur, make sure that employees receive what they need most urgently in this situation: safety, security and stability. We’ll be glad to assist you.

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