How to Support Your Team Through a Crisis: Key Takeaways from Our Webinar

Crises in the workplace are inevitable—whether it's a natural disaster, a business setback, or a mental health challenge affecting employees. But how organizations respond can make all the difference. In our recent webinar, Alisa Trout, LMFT, Director of Clinical Operations at Tava Health, shared actionable strategies for supporting teams through difficult times while prioritizing mental health and resilience.

Here are the key insights from our webinar:

Understanding Workplace Crises and Their Impact

A crisis can take many forms, from layoffs and cyberattacks to natural disasters and violent incidents. Beyond immediate operational disruptions, crises deeply impact employees' mental health, engagement, and trust in their workplace.

When left unaddressed, crises can lead to:

• Increased absenteeism and turnover
• Decreased productivity and morale
• Financial costs due to lost efficiency
• Damage to organizational trust and culture

HR and leadership play a pivotal role in navigating these challenges, ensuring clear communication, emotional support, and structured crisis management plans.

Actionable Support Strategies for Leaders and HR

When a crisis hits, the best response goes beyond logistics—it must also prioritize the well-being of employees. Alisa outlined a proactive approach that includes:

• Acknowledge and address emotional impact – Validate employees' experiences and emotions rather than downplaying their struggles.
• Transparent communication – Keep employees informed with honesty and consistency, reducing uncertainty.
• Balancing business and employee needs – Support productivity without pressure, allowing for a gradual transition back to normal.
• Building psychological safety – Encourage open dialogue, respect for diverse ideas, and a non-punitive approach to mistakes.

The Critical Role of Mental Health in Crisis Response

Crisis situations often exacerbate mental health struggles, including anxiety, burnout, and trauma-related conditions. Alisa highlighted key statistics:

• 19% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders
• 8% struggle with depression
• Workplace stress is a leading contributor to burnout and disengagement

Leaders must proactively integrate mental health support, including:

• Offering professional counseling resources (such as teletherapy through Tava Health)
• Recognizing early warning signs (withdrawal, missed deadlines, low morale)
• Providing structural supports like mental health days, flexible work policies, and peer support programs

Resilience and Coping Strategies for Uncertain Times

Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress—it’s about developing the ability to navigate it effectively. Leaders can foster resilience by:

• Encouraging emotional regulation and self-care
• Providing opportunities for professional growth and adaptability
• Creating a culture of support and connection

Teletherapy has emerged as a powerful tool in making mental health care more accessible, offering:

• Flexible scheduling around work demands
• Remote access for convenience and privacy
• Cost-effective support covered by many insurance plans

Moving Forward: Prioritizing a Culture of Care

Crisis management isn’t just about responding—it’s about preparing, learning, and evolving. Organizations that invest in mental health, psychological safety, and structured support systems retain top talent, build stronger teams, and foster long-term success.

Want to take action today? Download our Crisis Resource Template here to get started.

Interested in learning more about how you can better support your team, schedule a demo and see how Tava works here.