Managing thru grief and trauma
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This document provides guidance for managers on addressing workplace trauma. It discusses examples of traumatic events, their impact on employees including potential symptoms like shock, anxiety and isolation. Left unaddressed, this can negatively impact the organization through staff attrition, absenteeism and decreased productivity. The document recommends that managers acknowledge the trauma, communicate critical information to employees and help transition the workplace back to normal functioning. It also suggests referring employees to an Employee Assistance Program for additional support if needed. The EAP can help employees cope and emphasize resiliency through counseling and resources.
Managing thru grief and trauma
- 1. MANAGING THROUGH WORKPLACE TRAUMA A Manager’s Guide
- 2. EXAMPLES OF WORKPLACE TRAUMA AND GRIEF IN THE WORKPLACE Accidents at work involving serious injury or loss of life Natural disasters Violence in the workplace Employees who commit suicide Employees who have losses in their personal lives or have lost co-workers Downsizing
- 3. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC STRESS How trauma impacts employees Individuals all respond differently to traumatic stress Symptoms May Include: Shock Anxiety and depression Physical symptoms Chest pains Migraines Anger Poor concentration Isolation Guilt Numbness Avoidant behaviors
- 4. ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT Staff attrition Negative media in newspapers etc. Absenteeism and presenteeism Financial concerns Actual or perceived decreased safety People coping with issues of grief and loss impacting productivity Increased medical and disability claims
- 5. LEADERSHIP IN TIME OF CRISIS Responsible for Business Continuity and Recovery For this to occur, people must: Be healthy enough to return to work Feel safe enough to return to work Trust their leadership so they want to return to work Remember: employees rely on leadership to facilitate resilience and return to normal in the workplace following traumatic events
- 6. LEADERSHIP FACILITATES RESILIENCY Realize that employees/people are much more resilient than they feel Education through appropriate referrals and enlisting support from the EAP can provide employees with the information and professional support they need to recover Utilize strengths of your organization and management teams Manage with purpose to facilitate return to normal
- 7. LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY IN TIMES OF CRISIS – THE A C T MODEL A – Acknowledge the trauma C – Communicate critical information T – Transition to normal functioning, or refer for additional care
- 8. ACT– ACKNOWLEDGE Acknowledge what happened Summarize what happened Present credible and objective information Deliver the information in a caring manner This serves the purpose of controlling anxiety and managing the rumor mill to lessen the negative impact on employees
- 9. ACT – COMMUNICATE Communicate competence and compassion Your visibilty shows compassion and comforts employees Use this time to transition information about resources that are available for support Provide the resources that inform employees about what to expect as common responses to critical incidents
- 10. ACT – TRANSITION TRANSITION and REFER Provide information about coping and emphasize resiliency Practical assistance- determine basic practical needs such as possible schedule changes or shut downs Linkage with support services such as United Way or your EAP program
- 11. TYPES OF EAP REFERRALS Self Referral Informal Referral Formal Management Referral Mandatory Referral
- 12. THE INFORMAL EAP REFERRAL It is not based on performance issues although without the referral, performance issues could occur later You do not receive any feedback from the EAP It is completely voluntary for the employee
- 13. WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO MAKE AN INFORMAL EAP REFERRAL? Signs to look for indicating a troubled employee Change in behavior such as withdrawal from co-workers and possible emotional outbursts, crying and inappropriate anger Level of activity greatly reduced or animated Coming to you with personal issues and using the manager as the “counselor” Mood swings, poor concentration, beginning of changes in job performance Knowledge of a significant personal issue such as death of a loved one
- 14. DO’S OF MAKING AN INFORMAL REFERRAL TO THE EAP Schedule a confidential meeting with the employee Outline the specifics of what you have observed in a caring way. Make sure that you do not indicate any performance issue, just that you have noticed they are struggling or changes in their usual behavior Listen to what they have to say in response Tell them that you care and inform them about the EAP program and the benefits Let them know that it is because you care, not because you are the expert in personal problems, that you are making the referral Inform them that the EAP is completely voluntary and completely confidential
- 15. DON’TS OF MAKING THE INFORMAL REFERRAL TO THE EAP Do not try to diagnose or counsel the employee Do not allow them to manipulate the situation by asking for a reduced work load or special accommodations due to personal problems Do not discuss or ask questions of other employees about the employee’s personal problems Do not inform the employee that if they do not go to the EAP on their own that they will be formally sent to the EAP unless you have already documented performance issues
- 16. IF THERE IS LOSS OF CO-WORKERS, HOW DO I MANAGE GRIEVING EMPLOYEES? Realize that all employees will respond differently Realize that you are grieving also, so practice self care Sensitivity is crucial to manage morale Acknowledge the loss and allow time to grieve Attend memorial services and provide time off for funeral attendance Be patient, as grief takes time, but model effectiveness in your daily job expectations. Returning to a normal routine at work is important in the healing process. If you see an employee who is having a more difficult time and is struggling in their daily functioning, inform them of the benefits of seeking help from the EAP
- 17. HOW TO CONTACT THE EAP Call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-888-886-7988 (912) 692-0988 www.pmrsavannah.com