Every company’s greatest asset is its people. Employees are the heart of any company, the ones who are responsible for serving customers or clients and keeping operations running. There’s a reason why it’s known as “human resources,” right?
So, when disasters like Hurricane Helene leave behind physical damage across Western North Carolina, it is the human impact that will linger months and years later. The companies that helped to establish the backbone of the communities across Western North Carolina were built on the relationships within those walls and doors—the employees who contribute daily and the customers or clients being supported.
During difficult times such as these, employees have basic needs and emotions that must be supported. How a company treats its people in their time of need sets the tone for its culture and speaks to its true values. Providing empathy and transparent communication is essential during recovery. And meeting even the most basic needs and mental health support first shows people are valued above profits and productivity.
While the storm itself has passed, the experiences and impacts on the people who endured Hurricane Helene’ devastation will continue in less obvious but still important ways. As rebuilding begins after Hurricane Helene, balancing operations and individual needs during this transition will take a level of sensitivity that recognizes the personal impact of the disaster and the interdependence of business and employee success.
For HR managers and business owners in Asheville and surrounding areas, supporting your employees’ mental health and well-being should be a top priority in the months and years ahead. Flexible policies that accommodate recovery efforts alongside mental health resources establish goodwill and resilience for the challenges that employees will face.
This is why we want to share a few tips and recommendations to help leaders support business operations and staff well-being as a unified community works to recover. When people are truly cared for during difficult times, it helps to inspire perseverance that benefits individuals as they process difficult experiences and rebuild their lives.
Living Through a Natural Disaster
Sometimes, to truly get through such a natural disaster as Hurricane Helene, you have to face the reality of the situation head-on before healing and rebuilding can begin. Recognizing impacts on buildings and infrastructure is one thing, but the emotional toll on those who lived through this must be validated. This allows individuals and groups to start navigating the next steps from a place of understanding and not avoidance.
In the immediate aftermath, as safety and basic needs come first, strong and often changing emotions are common responses. Fear, anxiety, panic, and distress are all normal reactions to feeling one’s life and livelihood are changed forever. There may be some difficulties processing what happened or believing it was even real.
Watching for Signs of Stress in Employees
Experts at the American Psychological Association stress that living through a disaster—like Hurricane Helene—can cause various normal stress reactions in those directly impacted. In addition to dealing with property damage or loss, survivors may experience distressing emotions, changes in thoughts and behaviors, and even physical symptoms. With time, strong emotions and reactions may become less open but continue building up beneath the surface.
Signs to watch for in employees may include more subtle changes that could indicate an ongoing struggle to cope. These could involve the following:
- Disturbing thoughts, memories, or nightmares of Hurricane Helene
- Irritability
- An inability to concentrate
- Loss of interest in once-loved activities, feeling detached or estranged
- Changes in typical behaviors (like taking more risks than usual, substance use, or conflicts with others)
- Negative changes in beliefs about oneself or other people
- Ongoing issues disrupting daily life routines or straining relationships
- Worsening chronic health conditions that were previously managed
Checking in regularly with employees, either one-on-one or in group sessions, allows employers to remain aware of the challenges that may arise as days, weeks, and months go by. For many directly impacted, managing distressing symptoms becomes more difficult without a resolution. This is why prioritizing mental health is of high importance.
Prioritizing Mental Health Support
Emphasizing caring for employees’ mental health should be a top priority, and not just before, during, or after a natural disaster. Taking steps like normalizing reactions, listening without judgment, and reassuring employees that their emotions are understood and validated can make a significant difference during the recovery process. Tracking changes in behavior or mood privately allows for addressing issues with compassion. Referrals can be made discretely when distress continues.
For employers who want to be sure they provide additional support or treatment when needed, consider the following:
- Creating referrals to mental health professionals for individual or group therapy
- Allowing flexible time off or reduced hours for mental health appointments
- Connecting employees to community resources for disaster counseling or support groups
- Providing educational materials about stress/grief recovery for employees and their families
- Hosting information sessions with community experts on common reactions and coping strategies
- Arranging for an employee assistance program representative to speak to employees
- Normalizing the use of hotlines 24/7 for help during times of trouble
Prioritizing mental health means establishing a culture of care that extends beyond the workplace. By offering and encouraging strategies that strengthen mental health in all of your employees, your company can better serve its purpose through the efforts and strength of all the people who have made your company what it is today.
Self-Care and Workplace Strategies for Employees
Some self-care strategies employees can take include stress management activities like deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or relaxing activities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommends changing thought patterns to gain a broader perspective despite challenges. Rituals can facilitate grieving losses while helping others through volunteer work fosters empowerment. Spending quality time with loved ones and the community can help strengthen much-needed social support.
Creating preparedness strategies and going over recommended steps for future disasters can empower a sense of control. There are also many creative outlets that can be sought after, such as art or music. These outlets can help with the emotional processing aspect of living through Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
At work, maintaining flexibility in schedules and tasks boosts morale for those still navigating personal recovery along with their workplace duties. Focusing on team problem-solving of present and potential future challenges fosters togetherness and cooperation. Celebrating small wins and big wins through recognition and rewards supports motivation.
Workplace leaders should promote self-care through adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, etc. Leaders should also relieve unnecessary workplace performance pressures and make financial, insurance, or assistance resources available, with no hurdles to jump through.
Prioritize Mental Wellness With Platinum Group, And Let’s Rebuild Stronger
As a long-standing member of the Asheville community, we are dedicated to supporting this great community through this difficult time. Please visit our Helene Resource page for up-to-date information about DUA, SBA, FEMA, mental health, and much more.
We are here to do our part in supporting the resilience, restoration, and renewal of our great city and its people. Please reach out if you need any assistance as we work to rebuild stronger together!