At the time of this writing, we’re facing the COVID-19 pandemic and many employees are being laid off, furloughed or are working from home when possible. However, no matter what the crisis is, the uncertainty and disruption has consequences for all employees as they attempt to juggle home life, work and possible financial stress.

What can you ask or share with your employer that will not only help you cope, but possibly inform those who are not on the front lines about what is needed to improve the situation? Consider the following:

• Don’t be passive.  If you need some flexibility in your schedule, let your employer know what kinds of things you need to balance your work and home life. 
• If you are able to work from home, don’t just assume that you’ll be effective simply because you have the technology in place.  Let your manager know how best to communicate with you, whether it’s email, text, or a phone call.
• If you’re not being paid, ask if there’s an emergency fund in place to support you with your basic living expenses. Some companies are offering a cash bonus to offset basic, daily needs.
• Find out if there are specific team members or managers accessible to answer questions and are willing to help.  Is there an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a mental health program or a company discount on essential items?
• Is there a designated website address (or phone line) you can check for accurate updates on your company’s status on a daily basis? 
• Have you noticed anything in your immediate experience that the company may need to address? Upper management may not be aware of specific complaints or needs particular to your location.
• Employees are often a trusted source of information to the public. Is there a way to share important developments with your community via social media platforms? Where can you find a consistent and accurate source of information (as well as permission) to share with your own online networks?

Employees are probably going to be the single biggest determinant of how fast and well an organization recovers from a crisis. You will be the first contact with guests and customers as the recovery moves forward. Making sure you communicate with your team leaders and managers to stay informed about changes your company is making and how your job will be affected will go a long way toward a successful re-opening.  It will also make a big difference in your own well-being to know what resources are available to you to be able to return to work in a positive and productive way.

Good communication is a two-way street. No one can predict when a disaster will strike, but reaching out to management for the flexibility you need, the resources that keep you informed and taking advantage of benefits will ensure we all get through this difficult time together.