Supporting your employees after a tragedyAetna Resources For LivingSM

Dealing with a tragedy is one of the most difficult challenges a manager can face. Your role is to help employees continue to do their jobs while being sensitive to their needs. You must take care of yourself as well.

Your leadership can help employees return to their normal daily routines, personally and professionally.

Steps to help relieve the stress

•Set clear and realistic priorities for the workplace. This helps employees focus on what’s important.

•Communicate information as soon as you receive it. Employees will feel better if they have up-to-date reports.

•Know and follow workplace policies and procedures. Make sure you use these to inform employees about what they need to know.

•Know who to call if you need extra help in handling the situation or if an employee needs more support during this time.

•Have a plan in place in case of immediate danger.

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Listen to employee concerns

Your actions can help reduce the impact and disruption for your employees. Remember that each employee is different. Each has unique coping skills and reactions. Try some of the following:

•Listen to and acknowledge employees.

•Consider their ideas and preferences whenever possible.

•Consult with the natural leaders within your organization about challenges. They can help build trust and confidence in your decisions.

Support your team

•Be visible and present within your organization. Your support will empower others focus on getting their jobs done.

•Applaud teamwork.

•Give everyone a chance to contribute.

•Recognize successes.

•Try to be flexible with the way work is done.

•Try to balance your work and family responsibilities, supporting employees as they do the same.

•Make allowances so that employees can take care of personal needs related to the tragedy, which may have otherwise prevented them from coming to work.

•Find out if there are more ways you can make your workplace adaptable during this stressful period.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss any concerns you may be experiencing.

Aetna Resources For LivingSM is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies. The EAP is administered by Aetna Behavioral Health, LLC and in California for Knox-Keene plans, Aetna Health of California, Inc. and Health and Human Resources Center, Inc.All EAP calls are confidential, except as required by law. This material is for informational purposes only. It contains only a partial, general description of programs and services and does not constitute a contract. EAP instructors, educators and network participating providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. Aetna does not direct, manage, oversee or control the individual services provided by these persons and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the services they provide and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetna.com.

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