Business Education

How to Support an Employee Going through a Crisis

One employee’s personal crisis can become a big problem for your business in an instant. That’s unfortunate and even inconvenient but it can easily become a reality. (Especially during a time of disruption, caused by a global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns and re-openings.) When employees return to work — or continue to work through such turbulent times — crisis can manifest in various ways. When it affects an employee, it can likewise have a substantial impact on your business.

Crisis Comes in Many Forms

We’ve all heard the statistics and figures about the toll the lock-downs have taken. Drug use and overdoses are at historic highs. Depression runs rampant. Job losses are also a huge problem and with those losses, undue financial pressure. Then, there’s just the matter of separation of family members and close friends from one another.

We all have life events that distract us from work from time to time — an ailing family member, a divorce, the death of a friend. You can’t expect someone to be at their best at such times. But as a manager what can you expect? How can you support the person to take care of themselves emotionally while also making sure they are doing their work (or as much of it as they are able to)? —Harvard Business Review

The divorce rate is also expected to spike when all the data is calculated. Plus, births have actually fallen — not risen — as formerly expected. The point is crisis comes in many forms and can emerge in any one (or more) of your employees’ lives. When this happens, it can have a profound effect on your business.

Ways Businesses can Deal with an Employee in a Crisis Situation

Fortunately, there are ways businesses can deal with an employee in a crisis situation. Nearly regardless of the circumstances, you can help your team member get through and stay a productive part of your company. Here are some of the most effective strategies to help employees cope with personal crisis:

Encouragement. Okay, let’s begin with an obvious need — being supportive. Offering your support and encouragement can do a lot — a whole lot — for someone experiencing uncertainty and anxiety. A few kind, supportive words occasionally can have a really big impact on his or her attitude, work quality/quantity, and more positives.
Incentives. Another way to help an employee in a crisis is to reward them with incentives. Just a small reward can help lift up a person’s spirits in profound ways. If you can find the right rewards, they will indeed big a real return on investment.
Flexibility. Of course, offering him or her the flexibility they need will also do a lot for their mental and emotional health. By letting them customize their schedule and offering a combination of work-from-home and on-site, you can help them get through a very tough time.
Contingencies. An employee experiencing a personal crisis might not be able to maintain a routine schedule. If you are confident this will only last for a short amount of time, you can have someone else step in and take some of their workload.
Referrals. Unfortunately, not every situation will come to a positive end. Some crises are just too much and result in having to let an employee go or accept a resignation. If this happens, you can always offer a referral to help him or her to help them secure a new position.

What other suggestions do you have? Please take a few minutes to share your own thoughts and feelings so that others can benefit from your experiences and perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Business Succession Pros and Cons

April 15, 2021 No Comments

If you are part of a family business, and don’t have anyone related to pass it onto, you might consider a business succession plan as an option. Business secession is the process of transferring the company over to a new group of owners and/or operators. It could be anyone, from a competitor, to a family friend who’d like to take over the business. Regardless, it means turning over the reins to another person or party. So, it’s best to have a fundamental understanding of the process itself and its net effects. Business Succession Advantages Perhaps the biggest benefit of succession planning is knowing who will continue the business, particularly if you’re concerned about maintaining its good reputation. Additionally, it also motivates employees to do their best, because those with key roles who will run the company in the future will most definitely take their responsibilities seriously. If you were a business owner who was considering putting your company on the market but decided not to sell (or at least not anytime soon), what steps should be you taking now? The goals are to ensure preservation of the current business, as well as provide for an orderly and stable future transition when the proper time to sell arrives. —Kiplinger Yet another advantage of business secession is having peace of mind as to what happens to the company after you retire, or in the event you become disabled or die. (This is not only true for you as the current owner, but also, for your customers.) Plus, it helps to put in place processes that are known quantities, and therefore sets the successors up for a successful future. Business Succession Disadvantages Of course, there are drawbacks to everything, including business succession planning and eventual execution. Here are the three most common downsides of business succession you should know about: Turnover. Not everyone inside the business will receive a key role in the future. That can damage company morale once the plan is revealed to the company at-large. Moreover, it could cause good people to leave for other opportunities. No guarantees. Even if every single aspect is outlined and detailed, this does not guarantee the business will continue to be successful. After all, turning over the management means relinquishing leadership, which opens the possibility of failure. At the very least, a risk the business will suffer instead of flourish. Inappropriate strategy. Perhaps the most disconcerting thing about succession planning is the very real possibility of selecting the wrong people to run the company. Sure, the personnel chosen might well be top-notch producers and good with mentoring others, but might not be up to the challenge of actually running an established company. What else would you add to the pros and cons of business succession planning? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Don’t Get Bulldozed: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive, During Storefront Construction

August 21, 2025 No Comments

You’ve been running a retail shop in a hot location for years now. Out of nowhere, you get news from the local government that construction will be done right outside your door.

Telltale Signs Your Employees Really Don’t Like You

December 15, 2017 No Comments

Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or supervisor, you’re always at risk from becoming a pseudo-pariah. Different personalities can clash and even those which normally get along can become strained. Of course, no matter what types of business you’re in, you need a well-organized team. But, just because you have assembled the talent doesn’t mean you’re getting the best performance. Because when employees don’t like you, they’ll adeptly conceal their feelings. Best Qualities of a Likeable Boss The fact of the matter is, employees (and customers alike) are fond of certain qualities. For instance, they like people who are well-organized, respectful, and willing to lend a helping hand. They like people who are honest even when it’s not popular and people who are fair. Besides all your accomplishments as a business person, are you sure that you are a great boss? This is because leadership skills play a pivotal role in climbing the success ladder. Unfortunately, poor leadership is one of the most common reasons behind businesses falling back with their entrepreneurs earning the tag of bad bosses. Being a good boss comes with plethora of leadership challenges that every entrepreneur has to go through. —Pocket HCM Likewise, they also treasure integrity, guidance, and humility. What’s more, people love someone who listens and takes genuine interest. Trouble is, you might have many of these qualities but still don’t make a strong connection with your team members. If this is the case, chances are excellent there’s something you’re missing. Telltale Signs Your Employees Really Don’t Like You Some business owners, managers, and supervisors believe that ruling with an iron fist is just necessary evil. Others try to strike a balance, being tough but fair. Whatever the case, if you have a notion that your employees don’t really like you, it’s time to look for the following signs: High turnover rate. This is perhaps the biggest telltale signal. If your organization is riddled with high turnover, you might be the culprit. Solicit feedback from as many team members as possible to learn if you are part or at the center of the problem. Little to no volunteering. Content employees are eager to volunteer because they enjoy working in the environment, with their coworkers, and boss, as well. A lack of volunteering might stem from the way you run the business. Or, at least, because it’s an uncomfortable environment. Practically no small talk. If your employees are short on small talk with you, there’s definitely a reason why. Happy employees are happy to chew the fat with their boss. At least, when they believe there’s a good relationship. Simply put, a lack of small talk speaks volumes. Body language speaks volumes. Speaking of speaking volumes, pay close attention to body language. Eye rolls, crossed arms, fidgeting, no eye contact, no or fake smiling, and more are all telltale signs they’re failing to get their mind and body to agree. What other signs would you add to this list? How can business owners get honest feedback from their team? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.