I Am Here: how workplaces can be present

After a severe weather event like Cyclone Alfred, employers play a crucial role in supporting their employees as they recover from the impact to their family, loved ones and community.

Many individuals will experience mental health challenges following a severe weather event, such as the one recently experienced in Queensland. Natural disasters, including cyclones, often lead to a range of psychological and emotional responses, especially for those directly affected. The stress and trauma associated with these events can have both immediate and long-term effects on mental wellbeing. Everyone’s experiences will be different and personal, and some individuals may face potential mental health issues such as:

• acute stress disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• anxiety disorders
• depression
• grief and loss
• displacement and relocation stress
• family and relationship stress
• community and societal impact (collective trauma)

It is important to address your team’s mental health needs following a disaster. You can play a critical role in providing support for those who need it. There are several ways you can support your team in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 

1. Ensure employee safety and wellbeing

• Check on employee safety: first, confirm the safety of all employees. This can be done through phone calls, messages or emergency contact networks.
• Provide time for recovery: offer additional days off for those who need time to assess the damage to their property or recover physically and emotionally. Refer to your policy regarding leave as well as your contracts of employment.
• Mental health support: provide access to counselling services, either in-house or through external providers, to help employees cope with the psychological impact of the cyclone.

2. Offer flexible work arrangements if possible

• Remote work: for employees whose homes were not affected, consider allowing remote work to ensure continuity while giving those impacted time to deal with the aftermath.
• Flexible hours: offer flexible hours for employees who need to attend to damage of property or take care of their families.

3. Provide practical support

• Transport assistance: for employees who have difficulty commuting due to damaged roads or lack of transport, employers can help by providing transportation options or perhaps reimbursing travel costs.

4. Maintain regular communication

• Transparency: keep employees informed about the practice status  if there are disruptions in operations. This builds trust and reduces anxiety. Confirm to them who their point of contact is if they have any questions. Ask them how they are going and remind them you are there to support them however you can.
• Provide updates: support your team by providing regular updates on recovery efforts and resources available.

5. Leave and work rights: help employees navigate their rights regarding leave, compensation, and other workplace protections, especially if they are unable to work due to cyclone damage.
6. Post-Crisis care and rehabilitation

• Long-term support: if anyone in your team still feels the long-term effects of this recent event, continue supporting employees with long-term recovery efforts. This might involve more flexible working conditions, or even specialised counselling services.

Mental health issues following a challenging time such as Cyclone Alfred are very real, and should be addressed with appropriate care and support. By being proactive, compassionate and practical, you can help your team not only recover but also feel supported during a challenging time like the aftermath of this recent weather event.

The Workplace Relations Team has developed MindCare Packs, which are available for purchase for $40. These packs encourage conversations about mental health in the workplace and while doing so you can feel good that each conversation supports R U OK? and helps towards suicide prevention.

Purchase a MindCare pack now and receive:

• Mentally Healthy Workplace Handbook
• Communications Pack Instruction Guide
• Conversation Guide
• 1 on 1 Guide
• Meeting Kit
• Activities
• Mental Health Planner 2024-2025
• Resources List