The Role of Human Resources in Disaster and Crisis Situations

Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural disasters, with the potential to cause significant physical, emotional, and economic damage. In addition to the physical destruction, survivors may experience a range of psychological and emotional challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, and mourning. These challenges can significantly hinder their ability to return to work or resume their normal lives. In this blog, we explore the crucial role HR professionals play in supporting employees affected by earthquakes and helping them recover and heal.

📌 The Impact of Earthquakes

Catastrophic disasters like earthquakes are traumatic events with profound effects on the human brain. The severity of these effects depends on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, individual exposure, and pre-existing psychological or neurological sensitivities.

Prolonged exposure to traumatic stress—as experienced by earthquake survivors—can lead to structural changes in the brain. Research shows trauma can alter the size and function of specific brain regions, including the hippocampus and amygdala, which are vital for memory and emotional processing (Chen et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2019). These neurological impacts increase the risk of developing psychological disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which not only affect brain function but also disrupt daily life activities.

👥 The Role of HR in Supporting Earthquake Survivors

After a disaster that affects all segments of society, employees may struggle to make decisions due to trauma, and the number of individuals needing support often increases. As an HR professional, it is crucial to understand the vital role your team plays in supporting employees impacted by an earthquake. There are several key areas where HR can contribute meaningfully:

1. Creating a Supportive Work Environment

HR teams should strive to establish a supportive work environment that addresses the specific needs of earthquake survivors. This includes offering accommodations for physical and mental health, adjusting work schedules, and implementing flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options. These adjustments ease the transition back to work, helping employees balance personal and professional responsibilities while reducing stress and anxiety.

2. Providing Emotional Support

One of the most critical roles HR can play is offering emotional support. This starts by creating a safe and supportive space for employees to express their emotions and concerns. Connecting those in need with counseling services or employee assistance programs is vital. Referrals to mental health professionals should also be made when necessary. Maintaining strong, uninterrupted communication with all employees fosters a sense of connectedness, keeps teams informed about positive developments, and reinforces a supportive workplace culture.

3. Effective Communication

Effective communication is essential for supporting earthquake-affected employees. HR professionals must clearly communicate available support options, such as psychological counseling or financial aid, and explain how to access them. HR teams should listen actively and empathetically, without judgment, recognizing the extraordinary challenges survivors face. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HR teams should develop timely, customized support and communication plans tailored to employees’ specific needs during disasters.

4. Training and Education

HR teams with relevant expertise can organize or facilitate training programs for employees and managers on how to support earthquake survivors and communicate with empathy. These sessions can help identify signs of distress, offer practical communication strategies, and outline best practices for providing meaningful support. Additionally, HR departments may form emergency response teams and support community engagement efforts. If internal resources are insufficient, they should seek external psychological support services from public or private institutions.

🌪 Supporting Employees with Secondary Trauma

HR professionals must also recognize the risk of secondary trauma among staff who support or witness others in distress. Secondary trauma refers to the emotional and psychological effects caused by exposure to traumatic experiences (Office for Victims of Crime, 2017). HR teams should facilitate access to appropriate training and counseling to help employees understand the impact of trauma and develop coping strategies for managing emotional responses.

🔄 Motivating Earthquake Survivors to Return to Work

Encouraging earthquake survivors to return to work may not happen immediately. The timeline depends on the severity of the disaster, its impact on the individual, and their personal circumstances. It's essential to allow time for emotional and physical recovery before expecting employees to resume work—this process can take several months. Avoid placing pressure on individuals who are not yet ready.

While maintaining business continuity is important, employee well-being must be prioritized. HR can initiate the reintegration process by maintaining regular communication, providing updates on company plans and expectations, and offering reassurance. This helps survivors gradually reconnect with their roles and the organization.

In summary, the key to motivating earthquake survivors lies in acknowledging their extraordinary challenges, supporting their basic needs (such as safety and shelter), and creating an inclusive, understanding work environment. By implementing these strategies, HR teams can support recovery and rehabilitation, helping survivors return to work with confidence and motivation. Collaborating with local authorities and relevant organizations ensures access to the necessary resources. As employees begin to heal, HR professionals should work with teams to set realistic goals and develop personalized return-to-work plans. Ultimately, HR plays a critical role in providing support, encouragement, and empowerment throughout the recovery process.

By Expert Psychological Counselor Gulara Rzayeva