How to support employees during the Russia-Ukraine crisis

While there usually isn’t a ‘how to support employees during a war’ manual for HR teams, times like these can be incredibly shocking and traumatic for employees, thereby calling for HR teams to be supportive and understanding. Whether you have operations near the centre of conflict or employees with friends and families there, this Pacific Prime UK article will give you the tools needed to support employees during the Russia-Ukraine crisis. 

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine comes after years of conflict in the region and is having ripple effects around the world. As Ukrainians are escaping the crisis en masse, many are feeling anxious and saddened about what’s happening in their country, and worried about the uncertain future that lies ahead. Similarly, those with friends and family in the country are also concerned about the safety of their loved ones. 

But the ripple effects don’t end there. With energy prices rising and inflation at a high, ordinary people in many countries are suffering from the economic impacts of the war. In the UK, soaring gas prices are especially concerning for low-income employees. Just as the world is reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, employers owe it to their employees to help them weather the storm with empathy and meaningful support. 

Supporting employees amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis

The spotlight is increasingly on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, so what employers do (or don’t do) to support their employees during these tragic times will have a long-lasting impact on the organisation’s resilience. This is because employees will remember how their employers treated them in times of need, which in turn will determine how much loyalty they feel towards their employer. 

So without further ado, here’s what employers can do to support employees amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis: 

1. Prioritise the safety and security of employees near the centre of conflict 

For employers with operations in Ukraine and neighbouring areas, the number one priority is to help employees fleeing their country or caught up in active combat. You should consider what assistance you can provide with regards to basic needs like food, transportation, communications, healthcare, and legal assistance. While larger employers might be able to do more to help, smaller ones can still make an impact by donating to local charities and NGOs. 

As always, communication is key. Ask your employees in Ukraine and neighbouring areas directly: “What support do you require/would like from the organisation at this time?” Likewise, let all employees know what steps you’re taking to help those directly affected by the war, as this will help ease the sense of powerlessness and despair that many people are feeling at the moment. 

2. Be sensitive towards employees with connections to the affected regions/areas

In today’s globalised world, it’s also important to note that many people living outside Ukraine and neighbouring areas have a strong connection to the region. This includes Ukrainian expats with friends and families back home. As such, don’t just assume that the crisis in Ukraine doesn’t impact any of your employees directly. Address the situation, open up the dialogue, and find out for yourself. 

If you offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other mental health resources, do remind employees that these resources exist. In addition to sending out blast emails, make sure managers are key in communicating these resources to employees and making themselves available in case employees require extra support. For example, some employees may need compassionate leave from work. 

3. Consider indirect ways that employees may be affected and be adaptive in your approach 

Finally, there’s more to the Russia-Ukraine crisis than meets the eye. Even if your employees are nowhere near the centres of conflict or seem to have no connection to the region, being bombarded with news about the war can be distressing for them. As mentioned previously, many employees (especially low-income employees) may also be struggling with rising gas prices. 

The point here is that the impact of the crisis will be experienced differently by each employee. Given this, you should also consider the indirect, less obvious ways that employees may be affected and be adaptive in your approach. This means providing supportive leadership and thoughtful communication, as well as being flexible with your policies to show employees that you care. 

Get in touch with Pacific Prime UK today!

The Russia-Ukraine crisis isn’t the only time employees may require mental health support. Whether it’s a global conflict or employees’ personal ones, mental health benefits go a long way in helping them be their happiest and healthiest selves, and bring their best to work each day. If you don’t already offer mental health support as part of your employee benefits program, Pacific Prime UK is more than happy to help.

As a global health insurance brokerage and employee benefits specialist, we have over two decades of experience working with organisations of all sizes and industries. We utilise a tailored, technology-driven approach that aims to help organisations design, implement and optimise the right employee benefits solutions that are in line with their goals. To get started, arrange a FREE consultation with a member of our corporate team today!