Preparing for Crises

Flexible work arrangements

Flexible work arrangements can be an effective way to minimise business disruptions. Such arrangements could also allow employees to take some time off work to recover emotionally or to attend to family needs. During severe economic recessions, flexible work arrangements such as allowing employees to take their annual leave or work part-time, can also be implemented as part of your organisation’s efforts to cut costs and save jobs.

Communication plans

In a crisis, it is especially important that employees are kept informed and are regularly updated in a timely manner. This will help allay fears and anxieties and quell circulating rumours that could adversely affect employees’ morale and lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Consider the ways that your organisation can communicate to your employees (e.g. email, intranet, notice boards, SMS etc) and include them in your crisis communication plans.

Social support network

Employees are likely to feel anxious and fearful during a crisis. The support of friends and colleagues will increase their sense of security and help them cope with the situation. Selected employees can be identified and trained in counseling to help support their colleagues to cope with trauma and stress when a crisis occurs.

Regularly test and review plans

By conducting regular exercises, employees will be aware of and be familiar with crisis response plans. The crisis response procedures can also be continuously refined. Some examples of simulation exercises include table top exercises, role-play and drills.    

Please download the CEP Implementation Guide for Employers to find out more on how organisations can prepare for crises that may happen at the workplace!