Workplace critical incidents can result in significant and long-term distress for employees, and they can disrupt the normal functioning of organizations. Such incidents include fire, the death of a co-worker due to an accident, health issues, or suicide, sexual abuse, violence, and workplace harassment (Smith, 2019). The impact of these incidents on the mental health of employees can be severe, and managers, supervisors, and members of higher authority must take timely action to address the situation (Jones et al., 2020). In these situations, the management and supervisors need to provide immediate support and assistance to affected employees. However, in some cases, traditional forms of support may not be enough, and employees may require the assistance of a mental health professional like an Online Counsellor.

The Response of Employees Impacted by Critical Incidents

Common responses of workers to critical incidents include Anxiety, fear, feelings of helplessness, shock and horror, Stress and confusion, lack of concentration, disbelief, numbness, feeling overwhelmed, and being on edge all the time (Brown & Smith, 2018). The immediate intervention of managers is critical in these situations, and managers should document the details of the incident, including the time and place of occurrence, the people involved, and the impact on the sufferer (Williams et al., 2021).

Intervention Strategies

The immediate intervention and attitude of the manager in the aftermath of a critical incident are of the utmost importance. Some strategies to respond to critical incidents include making employees feel safe, providing immediate help, empathizing with the friends and family of the affected employee, and offering them the option to resign or take a break if needed (Robinson & Baker, 2020). In the days following the critical incident, managers should have follow-up sessions with affected employees, offer updates about the situation, relieve deadlines, allow employees time off work, and respect their decision to seek Online Counselling (Wang et al., 2022).

Long-Term Support

On-going support for the affected employees is essential, and managers should regularly check in on all employees involved in the incident, offer them a safe place to stay, and continuously listen to their grievances (Parker et al., 2021). Mental health support should also be made available to employees, and co-workers and managers should be sensitive to their needs and allow them time to emerge from the situation (Brown & Smith, 2018).

The Importance of Online Counselling Services:

Online counselling services have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and accessible way to receive mental health support. In the context of a critical incident at the workplace, online therapy services can provide a valuable resource for employees who may be struggling to cope with the aftermath of the event. The anonymity and flexibility of online services can be especially beneficial for employees who may feel uncomfortable seeking help from a traditional in-person psychologist or who may have limited access to mental health resources.

Benefits of Online Counselling in the Context of a Critical Incident:

• Immediate Assistance: Online therapy services can provide immediate support and assistance to employees who have been impacted by a critical incident. This can be especially important in the days and weeks following the event when employees may be struggling to cope and may need immediate help.

• Confidentiality: Online counselling services offer a confidential and secure platform for employees to receive mental health support. This can be especially important for employees who may feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health with colleagues or who may not want others to know that they are seeking help.

• Convenience: Online counselling services can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, which can be especially beneficial for employees who may not have access to traditional mental health resources or who may have busy schedules.

• Flexibility: Online counselling services offer a flexible approach to mental health support, allowing employees to receive help in a way that works best for them. This can include video sessions, instant messaging, or email support.

• Evidence-based: Online counseling services are based on evidence-based practices and can provide effective mental health support to employees who have been impacted by a critical incident.

Conclusion:

In summary, critical incidents in the workplace can have significant effects on employee mental health and organizations need to respond promptly and provide mental health support. Seeking support from the Best Psychologist in India can be a valuable resource for employees struggling with the aftermath of a critical incident or Workplace Stress and employers should consider offering these services as a way to support their employees' mental health and well-being.

References

• Brown, J., & Smith, A. (2018). The Impact of Critical Incidents on Mental Health in the Workplace. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 23(1), 49-57.

• Jones, R., Davis, J., Wilson, T., & Martinez, M. (2020). Managing Critical Incidents in the Workplace: A Review of Best Practices. Journal of Business Administration, 45(3), 255-265.

• Parker, K., Thompson, J., Chen, Y., & Scott, A. (2021). Long-Term Support for Employees Impacted by Critical Incidents in the Workplace. Journal of Workplace Health, 32(2), 125-133.

• Robinson, M., & Baker, J. (2020). Immediate Intervention Strategies for Critical Incidents in the Workplace. Journal of Workplace Safety and Health, 35(1), 45-53.

• Smith, S. (2019). The Importance of Psychological First Aid in the Workplace. Journal of Workplace Mental Health, 24(2), 89-95.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, & Life Coach & Ms. Varshini Nayyar, Psychologist