2024-05-01 05:39:29
PRESENT
Due to the Declaration of Emergency in the electrical sector in Ecuadorr, several companies are going through a crisis, since being an external event that could threaten their success and business health, it could harm the operations of their line of business, limiting their production and negatively impacting their finances. Furthermore, these types of situations often lead to harm its reputation, the well-being of its employees and its work environment.
“Uncertainty is a generalized feeling that, due to the current situation, most people are noticing. This influences the personal, social, family and especially at work. This prolonged suspension of energy due to power outages can generate feelings of helplessness and disappointment about the future. In addition, they alter emotions and performance”explains Gabriela López, Consulting and Training leader at Adecco Ecuador.
Faced with this scenario, the most important thing is to identify the risk and define lines of action, with viable alternatives so that workers can carry out their tasks, without affecting their safety and well-being at work. “The support of leaders is crucial at this time, starting with the non-invalidation of their emotions and the acceptance that uncertainty in work teams is normal”adds the specialist.
Which are the steps to follow?
- Evaluate profiles suitable for handling a crisis or emergency: It is vital that the bosses in charge are people capable of handling these types of situations and are trained so that they can convey peace of mind in the face of any changes that workers may face. It is advisable that training for leaders or area heads in the face of a business crisis be evaluated in a timely manner with specialists in the matter.
- Define an Emergency Committee: It is led by a business committee that is activated in the face of any type of threat or emergency and is defined by roles, where each one plays an important role in decision-making. The people who make it up must promptly inform the other collaborators of the path to follow.
- Prepare the action plan: “Normally these types of situations take companies by surprise, however, it is advisable to avoid improvisation. This generates a negative environment in the collaborators when they see that their leaders do not handle the situation in an adequate way, so the committee or team suitable for these cases must be activated immediately and define the actions that will be carried out.”, explains López. This plan can be easily adapted or modified.
- Maintain an open communication channel to employees: By defining an opening channel, where workers can go if they have any questions or inconveniences or any situation that affects their daily performance, it will generate a feeling of security and commitment in collaborators. It can be an emergency chat, or a phone number of the person in charge where they can go.
- Reorganize work teams: A good alternative may be to adapt power outages for the reorganization of teams, as long as the common benefit is prioritized. Here it is important to listen to the difficulties of each team or collaborator and reach a mutual agreement.
- Be flexible and empathetic: Currently, work modalities have been changing, for example, in the pandemic the hybrid modality became a fashion, where the work schedule is no longer a priority or something immutable, but rather the achievement of objectives is essential. . Maintaining a flexible work day, adapted to the needs of the collaborator and listening to their needs, can help workers achieve their results better.
- Provide remote or temporary work spaces: Many companies do not have a power plant, so adapting temporary physical spaces is appropriate. They can be small spaces, or outside the offices and in a neutral point. “These spaces are more effective if they are open and adapt to the needs of employees, providing alternatives and facilities to the worker.”, adds the expert. If it is not possible to adapt physical spaces, it is important to reach agreements and analyze the scope that the collaborator has at hand, day by day.
- Create a Worker Assistance Program: In addition to the company’s internal Emergency Committee, it is recommended to maintain the professional support of a multidisciplinary team, which is made up of doctors, psychologists and specialists who provide support to the collaborator in any problem.
What are the benefits for the company of providing these types of conditions?
- Times of crisis are a good time to build loyalty among internal and external customers, finding new opportunities.
- You can achieve brand name loyalty by demonstrating that you are a company that is constantly growing, that you have wellness programs and that you have active emergency committees, etc.
- Reputation in the market grows. “You become a culturally stronger company, you tend to improve your processes, you become a reference”says the specialist.
What is recommended to the worker?
- Do not be very active on social networks because too much negative information can cause more worry, anxiety and stress.
- Avoid false news or fake news and stay informed only through official channels.
- Take free time for personal and physical care, take active breaks, walk, exercise, be on the move.
- Understand that the situation is an external crisis, “It is an issue that has nothing to do with my competencies as a worker”says the Adecco expert.
- Due to the situation, many people may lose their jobs, however, the most important thing is to continue self-training and have more knowledge.
- In some cases these crises are temporary, the most important thing is to be active and adapt to change with a positive attitude.