UAE Rains Tomorrow: A Guide to Employee Wellbeing During A Weather Crisis

The recent record-breaking downpours in the UAE haven't just tested infrastructure, they've shone a light on the importance of employee wellbeing during extreme weather events. While companies prioritising remote work during the storm was a positive step, true leadership lies in building long-term resilience – a workforce empowered to navigate disruptions with minimal stress and maximum productivity.

With unsettled weather forecast for tomorrow, May 2nd, organisations should be prepared to support employee wellbeing during these challenging times.

But, how?

Employees Are Your Foundation

Your people are the heart of your organisation. In emergencies and natural disasters, employee wellbeing must come before productivity. They deserve time and support to recover from the impact of a disaster.

Here are four key ways employers can help their staff recover and rebuild:

Clear and Consistent Communication

Employees need to know what's happening at work, both during and after a disaster. Regularly scheduled messages (e.g., daily at 8 am) should keep everyone informed about work hours. Use a reassuring and informative tone to help employees feel calmer during this unsettling period.

Outline Key Business Procedures

Be as specific as possible when informing employees about the next steps. HR leaders should be transparent about how the organisation will handle issues like structural damage, employee assistance, lost productivity etc.

 Here are some important details to cover:

• Changes in office hours
• Working arrangements (remote, hybrid, or in-office)
• How to deal with changes in travel conditions and the office environment
• Protocols for taking time off (holiday pay, sick leave, or emergency leave)
• How often employees need to update their managers
• Whether employees can bring children to work if schools are closed

Provide Support for Recovery

If your organisation has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), encourage employees to access these resources. If not, consider partnering with employee wellbeing service providers who can help onboard employees and offer support.

These services, like VIWELL's EAP, can provide comprehensive support for employees' mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Making mental health resources readily available is crucial to help employees manage the emotional effects of trauma, such as survivor's guilt. Providing a pillar of mental support can help ease anxiety during challenging times.

Encourage Volunteering Efforts for Employee Wellbeing

Establish internal communication channels for employees and leaders to collaborate on addressing emergencies and ongoing community needs. This initiative strengthens community ties and promotes employee wellbeing by encouraging company-wide volunteering.

For instance, leaders can facilitate donations and relief support through group chats or company social media. Alternatively, if virtual command centres are unavailable, consider using on-site signup sheets, donation boxes, and phone check-ins.

Participating in volunteering activities, such as food distribution or community events, not only benefits the community but also boosts employee satisfaction, engagement, and morale. It fosters a positive workplace culture built on compassion and social responsibility. Through these efforts, organisations can cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose among employees, ultimately contributing to their overall wellbeing.

Conclusion: Prioritising Employee Wellbeing

Prioritising employee wellbeing during and following a weather disaster is essential for any organisation. Effective communication, clear protocols, access to support services, and encouraging volunteering efforts are all key strategies to help employees recover and rebuild after a disaster.

By implementing these strategies, organisations can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued, informed, and empowered to navigate challenges. Every action taken to support employee wellbeing contributes to a stronger, more resilient workforce.

How Can VIWELL Help?

The aftermath of a weather disaster can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and distressed. Loss of control, safety concerns, and potential personal loss or property damage can all have a profound impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. That's why empathy, compassion, and active support should be central to any business's response.

Our services go beyond traditional support methods. Through our digital platform, we offer a wide range of wellbeing resources and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), providing employees with the tools and resources they need to cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma.

Furthermore, our CSR team building events are designed to not only boost morale but also encourage a sense of community and support among employees. Engaging in volunteering activities and giving back to the community can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and engagement, ultimately contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Together, let's prioritise empathy, compassion, and active support, ensuring that employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to navigate through difficult times.