Supporting a colleague through a personal crisis can be challenging, but knowing how to respond in the right way can make all the difference. When a coworker loses their home, it’s essential to offer direct help and expertise while being sensitive to their emotional needs.
When Your Coworker Loses a Home
Losing a home in a disaster can be a devastating experience for anyone, and it’s even more challenging when it happens to someone you work with. If your colleague has recently lost their home, it’s essential to know how to support them during this difficult time.
The Right Things to Say (and Do) When Your Coworker Loses a Home
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting a coworker who has lost their home, two authors who have experienced catastrophic damage and home loss themselves offer four recommendations:
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Reach Out, But Don’t Expect an Immediate Response: When someone loses their home, they may be overwhelmed with emotions, logistics, and practical considerations. Reaching out with a kind message or offer of support can go a long way in showing you care, but don’t expect them to respond right away.
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Offer Direct Help and Expertise: If your coworker is struggling to find temporary housing or navigate insurance claims, consider offering direct help or connecting them with relevant experts. This could be as simple as providing a list of local resources or recommending a reputable contractor.
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Research Ways to Donate: Natural disasters often leave communities in need of essential supplies and services. Researching ways to donate to reputable organizations can be a meaningful way to support your coworker’s community, even if you’re not directly involved.
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Don’t Forget Them After the Initial Crisis Passes: It’s easy to forget about someone who has lost their home after the initial crisis passes, but it’s essential to continue offering support and checking in regularly. A simple “how are you doing?” or “is there anything I can do to help?” can make a significant difference.
In today’s interconnected world, it’s not uncommon to know someone who has lost everything to a natural disaster, including their home. By following these four recommendations, you can show your coworker that they’re not alone and that you’re committed to supporting them through this challenging time.
- hbr.org | When Your Coworker Loses a Home
