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Communication and Recovery

In an article posted on the Society for Human Resources Management website, experts in the field provide suggestions about how to manage communication and recovery after an incident of workplace violence. The suggestions include:

  • Coordinate a response to make sure that both internal and external messages and response efforts are consistent.
  • Communicate with faculty, staff, students, families, and the community because they will be concerned. The organization should provide enough details so that stakeholders understand the organization’s response and what their role in the response and recovery will involve.
  • Monitor the workplace environment because additional threat concerns will likely be raised.
  • Monitor social media. “We have witnessed in recent responses to workplace shootings that some employees took pictures of the violence and posted them online while the incident was still unfolding. You may not be able to control social media interaction, but at least you can be prepared to respond,” said Hector Alvarez of Alvarez and Associates.
  • Provide support. "Everybody responds differently to acts of violence. Watch for signs of post-traumatic stress in others and yourself. Contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) for on-site crisis response and support for critical incidents.

 

Emotional Support for Individuals & Groups

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) and the Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program (JHSAP) provide professional and confidential counseling and support services to individuals and groups and are a good resource during difficult times. FASAP and JHSAP can assist your work group/department in understanding the normal response to grief and traumatic stress, as well as how to adopt positive coping strategies and foster resiliency. FASAP and JHSAP provide the following services in response to difficult events:

  • Consultations with managers and supervisors to plan a response to staff who are coping with a difficult event.
  • Staff briefings and tips for coping with the event.
  • Small group interventions following a traumatic event.
  • On-Site Outreach to provide initial support and psychological first aid.
  • Same-day appointments for crisis victims.
  • Individual assessment and referral for emotional problems related to a crisis event.
  • Departmental briefings for supervisors and tips for supporting employees and students.
  • Resource materials for individuals impacted by the crisis.

The vast majority of people recover and return to work without additional support. Others, however, may need supportive attention. Feeling better is unique to each individual and does not follow any set pattern or timeline.

Additionally, Human Resources is available to consult with you after a disruptive incident has been managed.