The
organisation that represents HR professionals in the United States has reacted
swiftly to the tragic events of Tuesday morning by releasing advice and
information for HR professionals.
Following
the atrocities in New York and Washington, many American and British firms have
been caught up in the nightmare scenario currently unfolding.
The
Society for Human Resource Management has removed the password protection
system from its website allowing concerned people to access a new section,
"HR responds to terrorism".
The
site is aimed at helping guide employers involved in the tragedy through
exceptionally difficult times.
In
addition to offering extensive advice and information, SHRM also has several
experts on hand to discuss the employer’s role in helping employees come to
terms with the terrorist attack.
Dr
John Sullivan advises how HR should react in the aftermath of a terrorist
attack and how to develop a strategy to help in such events.
The
website also contains detailed information on crisis communication letters and
the methodology of conducting a critical incident stress debriefing.
Critical
incident response planning, religious tolerance and emergency procedures are
all covered and there is a special section of the HR talk bulletin board for
discussion of recent events.
There
is also guidance on how and when to contact grief counsellors and how to
prepare for the media as well as links on volunteering and giving blood.
By
Ross Wigham
