Practical Leadership Tips for Enhancing Staff Behavioral Health During a Crisis

During a crisis, particularly prolonged crises, it is important to create time when you and your staff are not expected to respond, unless the situation absolutely demands immediate action. Staff will take cues from their leaders’ behaviors, even if they are inconsistent with established policies or stated expectations. Some ways to foster down time:

• Establish expected work hours/shifts
• Avoid sending emails/calling individuals outside of established hours
• Avoid responding to emails outside of the hours when you are working

Modeling self-care is critical for staff. What you do is often far more impactful that just what you say. Engaging in self-care and allowing your staff to see you engage in self-care, promotes those behaviors in your staff, even if the self-care activity is for a brief period of time.

• Take time to engage in physical activity (moderate intensity [e.g., brisk walk], 30 minutes).
• Engage in valued activities (e.g., talk to friends, spend time with family, spiritual/religious time)
• Engage in relaxing behaviors (e.g., listen to music, read, watch a movie/show, be mindful)
• Write stressful and anxious thoughts down in a journal or notepad. Doing something with thoughts can decrease intensity and frequency of the thoughts.
• Eat regularly and choose healthy snacks (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts). Stay hydrated.
• Sleep. Allow for at least 5.5 hours of sleep. Maximize the opportunity to sleep (e.g., keep the space dark and free from distractions). If you do not fall asleep if 15 mins or less, get out of bed, do something boring (e.g., read a magazine), get back in bed when sleepy. Repeat as needed.

• ASPR TRACIE Disaster Behavioral Health Resources
• Center for Study of Traumatic Stress Leadership Resources
• Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990); Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
• World Health Organization