In today’s fast-paced world, emergencies and disasters can strike at any moment, leaving organisations vulnerable. This type of vulnerability can result in chaos and instability. As a manager, it is your responsibility to lead your team through these challenging times and navigate through the storm. However, the pressure can be overwhelming if you don’t have safeguards and pre-established responses for any mishaps that may occur.
To help you tackle these challenges and keep your team on track, we’ll examine ten ways you can counter any negative situations that may occur in the workplace. So, whether you’re a team lead, general or senior manager, or fulfil any type of management role, here’s everything you need to overcome obstacles in a team and solo environment.
1. establish an emergency response plan
Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for different types of emergencies. Ensure all employees are familiar with this plan and conduct regular drills and simulations to test its effectiveness.
To begin this process, have a series of meetings with different departments and brainstorm possible problems that might arise. Together with these teams, discuss the most effective and efficient responses to these issues. Form comprehensive procedures that will benefit all parties involved.
2. communicate effectively
Clear and timely communication is paramount during crises. Establish multiple communication channels, both internal and external, to keep everyone informed. Provide regular updates and ensure the information shared is accurate, consistent, and transparent.
Any solutions that you discuss should be subject to oversight from your superiors. This will be hugely helpful in analysing responses and improving upon them with each situation. Keeping all parties well informed can turn negative events into positive learning experiences for the entire team.
3. stay calm and composed
As a manager, your demeanour sets the tone for the entire team. Remain calm, composed, and confident, even in the face of uncertainty. This will inspire trust and help your team stay focused on finding solutions.
When management can’t keep its cool, employees can feel that they’re on a sinking ship and powerless to respond to crises. If you lose your cool with an employee during a stressful period, ensure that you apologise and look for solutions that will keep that from happening in the future.
4. prioritise employee safety
The well-being of your employees should be your top priority during emergencies. Make sure they are safe and accounted for, and provide necessary support. This can be both in terms of a physical emergency, such as a fire, or with regard to an emotional emergency, such as burnout or a breakdown. Make sure that proper protocols are followed to respond in a manner that reflects the business’s core values.
Check in with employees during and after an unfortunate workplace event and make sure that relationships are intact. Damaged workplace relationships can be a precursor for further mishaps.
5. assess the situation
Gather accurate information about the emergency or disaster to fully understand its impact. Assess the risks, resources available, and potential consequences. This information will guide your decision-making process and help you to develop an appropriate response.
In the hospital emergency room, cases are triaged before any further steps are taken. The same approach can apply in the workplace to all kinds of crises. When multiple crises arise, each should be individually assessed and then given attention based on their urgency in relation to each other. Having methods to determine this will help you address these situations in the most efficient and effective manner.
6. delegate and empower
In times of crisis, delegating tasks and responsibilities is essential. Identify competent individuals within your team and assign them specific roles based on their skills and expertise. Empower them to make decisions and take action when needed.
Delegation is one of the main responsibilities you have as a manager, and this is as true in times of crises as in any other time. Giving promising employees roles within these situations and then praising them for their performance or offering advice for future situations can build your working relationships. It can also motivate employees during difficult times and create a sense of solidarity in the workplace.
7. adapt and improvise
Emergencies often require flexible thinking and quick decision-making. Be prepared to adapt your plans and strategies as the situation evolves. Encourage innovative solutions and be open to suggestions from your team members.
Even if strict procedures are in place when it comes to crisis management, being able to be flexible when it counts is incredibly important. Real-time problem solving can save time, money, and even lives, depending on the nature of your work.
8. collaborate with stakeholders
Emergencies and disasters affect various stakeholders, both internal and external. Collaborate with relevant parties, such as emergency services, suppliers, and clients, to coordinate efforts and ensure a unified response. Even something as simple as letting an emergency service worker know that an employee suffers from anxiety or informing a client that a crisis may affect your invoice processing and payment system for a day or two can make a huge difference.
Information is everything, and in the workplace, communicating effectively can keep relationships of all kinds on an even keel.
Many major disasters in human history could have been averted if all parties were able to communicate effectively. In today’s interconnected world, there’s no excuse for poor communication. Ensure that all parties are on board with your response plan and any changes that may occur.
9. provide psychological support
Disasters can have a profound emotional impact on individuals. Show empathy and provide psychological support to your team members. Encourage open communication, offer counselling services if necessary, and create a supportive environment.
In the UK alone, mental health issues are estimated to cost £1652 per employee, per year. Therefore, providing adequate mental health support should always be a priority, not just for bottom lines, but for making employees feel cared for and supported. Especially at a time of crisis or after an emergency. Providing mental health support can also benefit staff retention – one of the hallmarks of a healthy business.
10. learn from the experience
Once the crisis has been resolved, take the time to reflect and learn from the experience. Conduct a post-incident analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Use these insights to update and enhance your emergency response plan.
true safety is being well-prepared
Handling emergencies and disasters requires a combination of preparedness, leadership, and adaptability.
By implementing these 10 strategies, managers can effectively guide their teams through challenging times, minimise the impact of emergencies, and emerge stronger than before.
Remember, your actions as a manager have a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of your employees and the overall resilience of your organisation.
Author: Sara Terrell – Editor Extraordinaire & Text Tinkerer
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio
point 4 should probably read 'Prioritise Employee Safety'
It does! Mind you, I think it should read ‘Prioritise worker safety’!