War and conflicts around the world, political polarization, and an uncertain global economy. The daily news flow can create heightened anxiety and stress, which in turn can affect the workplace. As an employer, you need to both ensure the organization's preparedness and support your employees. Here are expert tips for creating a sense of security in uncertain times.
The current global situation means that many organizations need to strengthen their preparedness and resilience. New types of ongoing and potential threats make it especially important to review and update crisis management plans. At the same time, it is crucial to support employees who feel anxious and to strengthen workplace cohesion.
– In a crisis, present and supportive leadership can be crucial, says Anna Wickberg, a specialist psychologist at Falck.
When employees see that management is aware that the global situation is affecting the team, it creates a sense of security. Similarly, stress for the individual employee is reduced if their manager is available and conducts regular check-ins with the team.
– Employees feel calmer when they know that management has things under control, says Anna Wickberg.
Among the most important things you can do as an employer is to strengthen the group's cohesion.
How to address anxiety in your team as a manager
Employees affected by war, conflicts, or global unrest may temporarily find it difficult to perform as usual. Some employees may have a personal connection to conflict zones, while others are strongly affected by global developments, political polarization, or an uncertain economy. Regardless, there is much you can do to address the anxiety.
As a manager, it's good to familiarize yourself with the support functions the workplace has. Consider what your team needs and in what ways you can support them.
– If you usually work remotely a lot, increased physical presence at the office can make a big difference. You will get a better sense of how the team is feeling if you meet them more often, says Anna.
It is important to remember that employees in crisis may need different things. For some, work is an important distraction and they can perform as usual; for others, as a manager, you may need to make adjustments based on their well-being in the initial phase. Generally, for most people, work provides structure and context, which is stress-reducing.
Build a resilient team
Among the most important things you as an employer can do is to encourage activities that strengthen cohesion. For most people, socializing with others is stress-reducing. If the team members feel safe together, they can also help support each other.
– Encourage team-building activities. Agree on a shared coffee break, a wellness walk, or another activity that doesn't cost much but can increase well-being and cohesion within the group, says Anna Wickberg.
Review crisis preparedness: risk assessment and drills
If you want to review your crisis preparedness, the first step is to conduct a risk assessment. The goal is to map the risks that your specific organization may face in a changing global landscape.
Check your existing crisis management plan against the new risks. Often, plans are lacking for more complex events, such as disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, or threats against employees with connections to international conflicts.
Furthermore, it is important that everyone who has a role in a crisis is well-versed in what it entails. Check if everyone is updated on the plan and practice together. Research shows that preparation and practice increase the chances that procedures will be followed.
– Think of it in the same way as fire drills; the more it becomes second nature, the more smoothly it will go during a real crisis event, says Anna Wickberg.
How to take care of employees in crisis
1. Assess the risks Sit down together and brainstorm different scenarios. Identify both ongoing and potential crises for the entire organization as well as for individual employees.
2. Crisis management plan If necessary, update the crisis management plan and ensure there are clear procedures and roles.
3. Inform employees Ensure that those who need to be informed are, and let other employees know that you have reviewed the company's crisis preparedness
4. Practice together Practice the procedures for the different scenarios included in your action plan.
5. Provide crisis training for the management team Have the management team undergo crisis training so they are confident in the different parts of crisis management.
6. Inventory resources Check that you have everything you need to handle crises. This can be physical items as well as occupational health services and crisis support agreements.
7. Update emergency contact lists Ensure you have updated contact information for all employees.
8. Strengthen group cohesion Show the team that you as a company care about the work environment and want the team to be well. Resolve any conflicts.
9. Get help Check with the union, occupational health services, your crisis support provider, or other specialists. It's easy to develop blind spots when you are too close to the situation.
