She notes that there is increasing unrest of the staff due to fatigue brought about by the shortage of staff. Which action is a priority?
A. Evaluate the overall result of the unrest.
B. Initiate a group interaction.
C. Develop a plan and implement it.
D. Identify external and internal forces.
Correct Answer: B. Initiate a group interaction
Initiating a group interaction will be an opportunity to discuss the problem in the open. Managers should communicate conflict resolution policies and processes to create a sense of safety in the workplace and provide an outlet for employees to report incidents should they feel the need. It is also important to ensure that employees understand any no retaliation policies regarding expressing concerns in the workplace.
Option A: To help employees cope, employers can consider implementing an employee assistance program (EAP). An EAP will help alleviate stress and worry, connect employees with the resources they need to manage their mental health and help prevent potential violence before it occurs.
Option C: Having a plan in place helps organizations remain calm during a chaotic situation. A business continuity plan should detail how the business will respond to a variety of situations.
Option D: Understanding the community, developing processes to address a variety of “what if” scenarios, and exemplifying appropriate behavior will help employers maintain a civil workplace and squash conflicts before they get out of hand.