EAPs respond to minimise the impact of riots
Dated: 09/08/2011
Employee Assistance Programmes are responding quickly to minimise the impact of recent rioting on organisations and employees, many contacting clients directly to emphasise the support available during and after these events.
Employee may be directly affected by the disturbances in a number of ways. They may have experienced the disturbances directly or witnessed the subsequent devastation, felt at risk of physical injury or suffered loss of their own possessions. Alternatively they may live in areas affected or close by the riots and may be concerned about their ongoing safety.
EAPs can be on hand at all times to offer practical support to employees who may be affected in any of the ways above. Where it is available, additional services such as trauma support can be leveraged, should it be required. Information is also available on EAP websites.
"It’s important to remember that trauma and individual responses to it can be delayed. So while it’s important to support employees now, it’s also essential to keep an eye out for individuals who may experience delayed reactions to these events. And for someone previously involved in a traumatic event, this type of incident could re-ignite emotions and memories that have been hidden or managed until now," explains David Smith, chair of UK EAPA and senior EAP consultant at Workplace Options.
