Established company policy and guidance will help HR in many instances when it’s important for employers to be consistent in how they assist employees and address concerns. Certain instances, however, will necessitate HR wearing their tightrope walker hat.
“...There are times when employees’ lives intersect with rare incidents like terminal diagnoses, critical accidents, natural disasters, and untimely deaths,” BenefitsPRO notes. “At times like these, it can be beneficial to chuck the handbook out the window. Bereavement allotments be damned—if an employee loses a child, they’re going to need more than two days off.”
HR also should be ready to don their consultant, confidant, empath, veteran and producer hats when appropriate. “Life is hard, but as HR professionals, we have an opportunity to support employees through personal problems,” the publication notes. “As we thoughtfully navigate our many roles during tough times, we can make a big difference both in employees’ lives and, as a result, our company’s performance and reputation.”