What is going on right now is all over the news, social media and in the papers. It is almost impossible to avoid hearing and talking about what is happening. Your people will talk and have questions. As an employer, it is important you give them the correct information.
Here are 3 Critical Steps that Every Company Should be Doing Right Now.
Respond with Empathy and Remind Them of Your Values. Avoid acting like nothing is happening. Make a statement and let your employees know you are here for them as their employer. A simple email or an announcement will do. Don’t feel the need to explain what is going on (especially if you do not have all the facts). Use this time to remind them of your company values and purpose. Remind them they are part of something great.
Here is an example email script:
Hey Team,
We know that there is a lot going on in the news and the country right now. We understand that what is happening affects everyone in different ways. I feel this is the perfect opportunity to remind you all of our values [ list values]. It is important more that we remain empathic and communicate respectfully. This means we will limit unproductive conversation that might be offensive or distracting. We speak with respect to one another regardless of race, belief, gender, religion, sexual orientation. Anything less will not be tolerated. As an outlet, we encourage you to contact myself or HR. We also encourage you to contact our Employee Assistance Program [add link] as they have a wide range of supportive services.
Lastly, the intent of this email is not to discredit what our country is experiencing. The intent of this email is to acknowledge the feelings, emotions and affect this may have on everyone here. We value our people, and at the end of the day, we are all humans. Let us not forget that we must be the change the world needs to see.
Warmly,
CEO
Do your best not to encourage political or religious conversations in the workplace. Offer 1:1 time or bring in someone that can sit with your people and listen to their concerns. A simple email like this lets them know that as their employer, you are aware of the effect it might have on them. Also, you are reminding them how to respond and behave in the workplace, while also offering safe outlets for them to express their concerns.
Check in with Your Immigration Lawyer. It is extremely important that you do not offer false information or add your opinion without the facts. Provide your immigration lawyer with a list of questions or concerns before speaking with them as they can give you the information you need to discuss matters with your team.
Be mindful, be empathic, and be available to provide your people with the right information.
Leverage Your Employee Assistance Program (or signup for one). EAP’s are a huge resource for any size company, especially startups. They are an employer paid service that offers employees up to three free face-to-face sessions with a licensed therapist per issue. The sessions are great for assessment and short-term problem resolution. There is no limit to the number of issues per year. EAP’s are a great way to offer confidential support for your people and also extended to the employees family members.
This is a list of topics all major EAP's cover.
Some EAP programs are free depending on your Health Care Provider or can cost about $2500-3600/annually. Contact your Health Care Provide or Broker to see if you have an EAP in place.
If you do not have an EAP, here are a few you can check out:
I’m in no way affiliated with these companies.
Let your values be your guide.
Regardless what side you agree with; what is going on in the world will affect your people in different ways. As employers, the most important steps you can take is to be support, transparent, honest, and provide a safe working environment.
Charisse Fontes is the founder of Culture Circle and an Executive + People Ops Advisor to founders and leadership teams.
more about Culture Circle →first published on linkedin, jan 2017_
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