During these stressful times, you might come across employees who seem emotionally overwhelmed and in need of support.  To help guide you, Sutter Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has put together the following tips and resources

Use these practical tips, to help calm a team member who is struggling to manage their emotions:

1. Speak calmly and briefly: A brain in crisis cannot take in information. Until the employee has calmed down, don’t overexplain, speak slowly and provide one piece of information at a time.
2. Practice active listening: Acknowledge and validate your team member’s feelings and repeat key points. When you are in a crisis, you want to be heard. This is a simple and effective way to show you are listening.
3. Model taking a deep breath: You don’t have to say anything, and your team member is likely to follow suit.
4. Help your team member remove themself from a stressful situation: Limit additional stimulation—suggest taking a walk or going to a quiet place to talk. In a remote work setting, switch to talking by phone instead of via the computer so you can both move to a different space as needed.
5. Call Sutter EAP at (800) 447-2258 for immediate assistance: Sutter EAP’s licensed clinicians are available 24/7 to support you. If your team member is struggling to stay calm, offer them the phone and dial the Sutter EAP number—with their permission. Offer to stay with them for support or leave for privacy.

Remember, you are not expected to be a therapist. You can support your team by being calm and reassuring and guiding team members to available resources.

If you’d like to improve your ability to lead your team or need support, Sutter EAP has professional licensed and experienced therapists available to assist you. Call EAP at (800) 477-2258 or complete a Service Request Form online.

Resources:

Sutter EAP

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 or text 838255

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor