By Brooke Carbo
UAB Human Resources has launched a new one-stop resource for UAB leaders who find themselves in a crisis situation with an employee and need immediate guidance.
The Critical Support site walks users through a six-step process they can follow in high stress situations to help ensure a safe and successful outcome for all involved. Each step includes additional guidance and support tools including contact information for assistance, downloadable lists of resources to give an employee in crisis, and forms to report an incident.
The project, which was a collaboration of HR’s Talent Performance and Relations and the Employee Assistance and Counseling Center, began as a request for a quick guide for leaders who may be working with someone experiencing a mental health crisis, said Talent Performance and Relations Representative Jimmy Freeman.
“We soon realized the wide variety of issues that could fall under the title of mental health crisis, plus all of the many resources available at UAB and in our community,” Freeman said.
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“[This site is a] proactive step towards promoting the well-being of all employees and fostering a healthier work environment.” |
In addition to the six-step process for a crisis situation, the site also compiles resources for common mental health issues that employees may be facing, such as suicide prevention and response, domestic violence, and alcohol or substance abuse. Leaders will also find a list of signs to look for that indicate an employee may be in trouble and a guide to helping employees recover after losing a co-worker.
“When crisis and mental health challenges show up in the workplace, supervisors must be equipped with proper processes and resources to ensure the best outcome is achieved,” said EACC Director Tami Mayes Long, Ph.D. The Critical Support site, Long said, is a “proactive step towards promoting the well-being of all employees and fostering a healthier work environment.”
Visit the Critical Support site at go.uab.edu/criticalsupport. Leaders are encouraged to bookmark the site for quick access when needed, and to explore the available resources so they can provide employees with support before a crisis situation occurs.
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