As we emerge from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Health Action Council’s Reboarding II, Understanding the Wiring of the Human Brain and Moving Forward gives us the background behind human emotions and the actions employers can take to successfully reboard people, businesses and communities.
Reboarding II, Understanding the Wiring of the Human Brain and Moving Forward is the second article from Health Action Council that discusses the transition and adjustments needed as the pandemic continues in order to lessen the negative impacts of reboarding employees.
>>View Reboarding I: Learning from the Past to Prepare for the Future
>>View Reboarding II: Understanding the Wiring of the Human Brain and Moving Forward
In this piece, Health Action Council gathered insights from individuals who helped in the understanding of the science behind the human emotions present so that we can successfully develop strategies to better understand how to reboard people, businesses and communities.
“Leaders need to treat reboarding as a transition that requires ongoing attention and adjustments,” said Patty Starr, President and CEO of Health Action Council. “By better understanding the architecture of the human brain, we can develop appropriate responses and support our teams.”
Each individual responds differently to the pandemic, and employers have an opportunity to lay the foundation for consistency and continuity. Employers are able to strategize to recognize and defuse triggers. By having a better understanding of the architecture of the human brain, employers can develop appropriate strategies and responses for employees.
Here are some actions employers can take to support employees during this transition:
- Respond, Don’t React. Don’t shut down automatic employee responses to stressful situations, but instead change their expectations.
- Remember that not all change is eternal. Communicate that this will end. Learned helplessness can create anxiety and depression.
- Be Gentle with Colleagues. Find ways to focus on attunement and empathy. Employees need to support each other more now than ever.
- Say Nice Things. Appreciate employees’ experiences and humanity by expressing gratitude and sympathy.
- Pay Attention to How Your Employees Carry Stress. Remind employees to prioritize exercise and sleep.
- Revitalize. Find ways to re-energize employees in the workplace. Identify activities they can do both virtually, and in the physical workplace.
- Find Joy and Have Fun with your Employees. Nothing is better at generating resilience and hope. We will get through this together.
It is helpful to encourage employees to breathe, laugh, meditate, exercise and socialize within guidelines. Goals, transparency, training, communication, listening, establishing policies and rewarding employees are also important. “The quarantine has been stressful,” said Dr. Benjamin Kearny. “Leaving it will be, too.”
About Health Action Council
Health Action Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization representing mid- and large-size employers that enhances human and economic health through thought leadership, innovative services, and collaboration. It provides value to its members by facilitating projects that improve the quality and moderate the cost of healthcare purchased by its members for their employees, dependents, and retirees.
Health Action Council also collaborates with key stakeholders – health plans, physicians, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry – to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare in the community.
About the Advisors
Authors: Patty Starr, President & CEO, Health Action Council, Dr. Benjamin W. Kearney, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for OhioGuidestone and Senior Fellow for the Institute of Family & Community Impact, Dave deBardelaben-Phillips, Founder and President of Energetic Awakenings.