When Employees Are in Crisis: A Practical Resource to Guide Employers
When an employee stops showing up to the office, talks about wanting to give up, or appears impaired during work hours, managers and HR staff might feel unsure how to respond . But you can be supportive while also addressing legal obligations, safety, and business needs through a bit of planning, training, and resources. While employers are generally not mental health professionals, you can play a critical role in identifying warning signs and connecting employees with the support they need . Here are eight practical steps to help your managers and HR department respond in real time to serious and sensitive situations, as well as the key legal points to keep in mind. Call for Help Immediately in Emergencies First and foremost, you should call 911 in critical situations, such as when an employee expresses intent to self-harm imminently. You should also consider directing employees to 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. When you have a specific concern about an employee’...