This past Sunday, June 25, the FAA paused departures to all Washington, DC airports, citing the need to “repair” a communications system at a regional air traffic control facility. A whopping 10,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,400 flights cancelled. And with airports burdened by stuck and impatient travelers, many companies and their traveling employees were suffering from operational headaches.
Flight cancellations and delays can be a major source of stress and disruption for traveling employees, impacting their well-being and productivity. As an HR specialist, it is crucial to support your employees during these challenging times, not just logistically, but also by nurturing their mental resilience. In this article, we will explore strategies and advice from a corporate health and wellness coach’s perspective on managing flight cancellations and delays while keeping your mind focused and maintaining well-being for both employees and HR specialists.
Foster a Culture of Resilience:
Promote a culture that values resilience and recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of setbacks. Encourage employees to develop resilience skills through workshops, training sessions, or access to resources that focus on stress management, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. By proactively investing in resilience-building activities, you equip employees with the tools to navigate disruptions with a balanced perspective.
Communicate Proactively:
During times of flight delays or cancellations, clear and timely communication is essential. Be transparent with your employees about the situation, providing updates and alternative options as soon as they become available. Ensure they have access to reliable communication channels to address any concerns or questions they may have. By keeping employees informed, you reduce anxiety and empower them to make informed decisions.
Encourage Self-Care Practices:
Flight delays and cancellations can disrupt routines and increase stress levels. Encourage employees to prioritize self-care practices, even in challenging situations. Remind them to engage in activities that promote well-being, such as physical exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or maintaining a balanced diet. Emphasize the importance of rest and recovery to help them recharge and maintain their mental and physical health.
Provide Access to Resources:
As an HR specialist, ensure employees have access to resources that support their well-being, both during and after flight delays and cancellations. This can include access to mental health professionals, counseling services, or wellness apps that offer stress reduction techniques or guided meditations. By providing these resources, you demonstrate your commitment to their holistic well-being and facilitate their ability to cope with the challenges at hand. Remind them that they can nurture their health, even when stuck in an airport!
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Consider implementing flexible work arrangements for employees affected by flight cancellations or delays. This can include remote work options, adjusted schedules, or temporary assignments closer to their location. Flexibility allows employees to better manage their personal and professional commitments while minimizing the impact of disruptions. Additionally, flexible arrangements can contribute to a sense of empowerment and control over their work-life balance.
Encourage Social Support:
Encourage employees to lean on their support networks during times of uncertainty. Foster a supportive work environment where colleagues can offer assistance, share experiences, and provide emotional support to one another. Consider implementing virtual team-building activities or platforms that promote social connections and help employees feel connected even when physically apart. And last, but not least…
Lead by Example
As an HR specialist, it is important to lead by example when managing flight delays or cancellations. Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. By modeling these behaviors, you inspire employees to do the same. Share personal experiences, coping strategies, or success stories to foster a sense of camaraderie and create a safe space for employees to share their own challenges and solutions.
Download LifeUp’s Healthy Travel Checklist to share with employees!
Final Thoughts…
Flight delays and cancellations can be disruptive, but with the right strategies in place, HR specialists can support their traveling employees while nurturing their mental resilience. By fostering a culture of resilience, promoting self-care practices, and providing access to resources, you empower employees to maintain their well-being even during challenging times. Flexible work arrangements, encouraging social support, and leading by example are vital components of navigating flight cancellations or delays while keeping your mind focused on finding solutions. Remember, by prioritizing employee well-being, HR specialists can help employees emerge from disruptions stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle future challenges.
You need to nurture resilience in all your employees, but especially those who are traveling in difficult situations at times like these. It’s why I urge you to focus on some of the solutions above. How about it?
As always, I am here to help guide your process.
To your health!
